Dubai is once again preparing for one of its most beloved cultural events — DIFC Art Nights. In November 2025, the heart of Dubai’s financial district, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), will turn into a colorful, vibrant outdoor art gallery. The 20th edition of this exciting event is more special than ever, as it celebrates a decade of creativity, culture, and community.
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A Special Milestone: The 20th Edition of DIFC Art Nights
This year, DIFC Art Nights is hitting a major milestone — its 20th edition. Over the years, it has grown from a small cultural gathering into one of Dubai’s most anticipated art festivals, where local and international artists come together to showcase their talents.
Since it first began, this event has given space to hundreds of painters, designers, photographers, and performers. It has turned the DIFC area into a place where business meets beauty. This special November edition will honor the journey of art through the past ten years and look forward to a future full of new ideas, artistic expression, and community engagement.
When and Where Will the Event Happen?
Mark your calendars:
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Dates: November 13 to 16, 2025
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Location: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
During these four days, DIFC will completely transform into an open-air gallery filled with visual arts, music, live performances, and more. The area’s modern architecture will provide the perfect background for unique, thought-provoking art.
Who Can Participate?
The great news is that DIFC Art Nights is open to everyone, whether you are a professional artist, a fresh graduate, an independent designer, or an art gallery. This event welcomes creativity in all forms and from all backgrounds.
Participants can submit artwork in many different forms, such as:
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Traditional art (like painting or drawing)
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Digital art
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Photography
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Murals
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Sculptures
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Graphic and visual design
Whether you're an expert with a paintbrush or a beginner with a camera, there's a place for your voice and vision at this event.
How to Submit Your Work
Interested artists must submit their portfolios to be considered for this event. Here's how:
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Prepare your portfolio, which should include:
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High-quality images of your artwork
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A short artist profile (a few paragraphs about who you are and what you do)
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Clear and short descriptions of each artwork
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Fill out the application form, which is available online at:
difc-art-nights-call -
Deadline for submissions:
September 15, 2025
This deadline gives artists plenty of time to prepare their best work and submit it before the event begins in November.
Who Selects the Artists?
After the submission deadline, the entries will be reviewed by the DIFC Art Committee. This committee is made up of experienced curators, artists, and art professionals. Their job is to carefully review every portfolio and choose the most creative, original, and inspiring pieces to be shown at the event.
Only selected artworks will be displayed, which means being featured is an achievement in itself. This makes the event highly competitive, but also very rewarding for emerging and established artists.
More Than Just Art: What to Expect at the Festival
DIFC Art Nights is more than just an art exhibition. It is a celebration of art, music, culture, and learning. Along with the visual displays, there will be:
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Live music performances
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Interactive art workshops
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Creative panel discussions with guest speakers from the art world
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Cultural experiences where visitors can participate in art creation
This setup allows visitors of all ages — from school students to art collectors — to enjoy and explore different forms of art.
Why This Event Matters for Students and Young People
For young artists, including students in school or college, DIFC Art Nights is a huge opportunity. It provides a stage to present your work, connect with art lovers, and learn from experienced creators. It also helps build confidence, communication, and creative thinking.
Even if you're not an artist but love to draw, take pictures, or design on your computer — this event can inspire you to keep creating and maybe apply next time.
Who to Contact for Help or More Info?
If artists or galleries need more information, they can email the DIFC Art Nights team at:
artnights@difc.ae
The organizers are available to guide participants through the application process or answer questions about portfolio requirements.
A Big Step for Dubai's Art and Cultural Growth
Events like DIFC Art Nights are helping Dubai grow into a global city of art and culture. By supporting local and international artists, the UAE is giving more space to creativity, self-expression, and innovation.
The 20th edition of DIFC Art Nights will not just showcase art — it will also show the UAE’s dedication to building strong creative communities and helping young artists shine on global stages.
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DIFC Art Nights 2025 is one of the most exciting cultural events in Dubai.
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Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
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The festival will run for four days — from November 13 to 16, 2025.
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The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.
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The event includes workshops, talks, live music, and more.
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It’s a great chance for students, new artists, and professionals to grow.
If you’re an artist with a story to tell, this is your time to be seen and heard. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.
