Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue began in 2007 when a family business opened part of its marble factory compound in the Al Quoz industrial area to galleries, and it has grown into the centre of contemporary art in the city: commercial galleries, non-profit spaces, artists' studios, a cinema, and independent food and design businesses spread through converted warehouses. Concrete, a multi-use space designed by OMA, hosts exhibitions and events. Openings cluster in the cooler months and around Art Dubai.

What you actually see

• The galleries - commercial and non-profit contemporary art spaces in converted warehouses.
• Concrete - the OMA-designed multi-use hall used for exhibitions and events.
• The independent businesses - roasters, design studios and a cinema among the galleries.
• The Al Quoz setting - an arts district inside a working industrial area.

When to go

October to May is the season, with the busiest programme around Art Dubai in the spring. Galleries close on Sundays and many shut for the summer. Evening openings are when the district is liveliest.

Honest expectations

Many galleries close in July and August and the district is dead then. Opening hours are irregular and some spaces open by appointment. Getting here needs a taxi and the industrial surroundings are bleak.

Nearby

Dubai Marina is west, and Downtown Dubai is northeast.