Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial - Everything you need to know

Remember those giant sculptures and colourful installations that popped up around Abu Dhabi during the first Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial? The exhibition is returning for its second edition, and we now have the full list of artists and locations to look out for.

The Biennial opens in Al Ain on 23 October, before coming to Abu Dhabi from 15 November. Running until 15 February 2027, it will feature 21 artists from the UAE and around the world, with artworks appearing across public spaces in both locations.

This year's theme is Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place, led by artistic director Elvira Dyangani Ose. The idea is to look at home beyond the place where you live, exploring how shared spaces, neighbourhoods and everyday surroundings shape our sense of belonging.

So, where can you find the artworks?

Keep an eye out around Mina Zayed (MiZa), Souq Al Mina, Hidd Al Saadiyat and the park between Zayed National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District, as well as selected locations across Al Ain.

The artist line-up includes Emirati artists Khalid Al Banna, Roudhah Al Mazrouei, and Shama Al Hamed, alongside international names such as Yinka Shonibare, Laure Prouvost, Ibrahim Mahama and Iván Argote.

The Biennial brings contemporary art into public spaces, so you won't need a ticket to stumble across the installations as you go about your day. If you're planning a walk around Mina Zayed or a visit to the Saadiyat Cultural District, you may find a few new works to look out for.

For more information, visit paad.ae.

And if you missed the first edition, take a look at our video for a look at some of the artworks and routes from last season.