Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is returns this October, for its second edition

Remember the giant sculptures, colourful installations or unexpected works of art around Abu Dhabi over the past couple of years? Well, they are set to appear again as Public Art Abu Dhabi returns for its second Biennial, with a new programme set to transform public spaces across the emirate from October.

The exhbition will run until 15 February 2027 - with this year's Biennial starting in Al Ain on 23 October 2026, before expanding into Abu Dhabi city from 15 November 2026. Once again, we'll get to see the capital's streets, parks, and community spaces become immersive open-air galleries.

The 2026 edition is led by artistic director Elvira Dyangani Ose and centres around the theme Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place.

So, what does that mean?

Well, rather than looking at home as simply where we live, the programme explores how people create a sense of belonging through the places they share, from neighbourhood streets to everyday public spaces.

If you visited the first Biennial, Public Matter, you'll know that several of the artworks commissioned for the inaugural edition, proved so popular they've remained in place as permanent installations, helping to grow Abu Dhabi's public art collection.

One of the best things about Public Art Abu Dhabi is that you don't need a ticket, as the artworks are designed to be discovered naturally, whether you're walking along the corniche, visiting the many markets around Mina, or simply heading to work from the bus station.

The full list of artists, installations and locations is expected to be announced closer to the launch, so watch this space.

For more information please visit: paad.ae

And to see what all the fuss was about last season, check out our video on one of the many routes of the exhibition.