More than 400 artworks bring colour, culture and creativity to the capital
You don’t need to step inside a museum to experience art in Abu Dhabi anymore – all you have to do is walk down the street.
From bus shelters and shopping centres to crosswalks and utility boxes, the capital has quietly transformed everyday spaces into vibrant works of art.
Vibrant murals and street art can be spotted across neighbourhoods such as Al Nahyan, Al Bateen, Al Manhal, Al Mushrif, Al Danah and Al Muntazah, while major roads including Corniche Street, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street feature striking public artworks that brighten the cityscape.
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Through Abu Dhabi Canvas, the city itself has become a gallery, inviting residents and visitors to pause, look closer and see familiar places in a completely new way.
The initiative is built on a simple idea: art shouldn’t be confined to walls. Instead, it should live where people live, woven into daily routines, neighbourhoods and moments of movement.
Whether it’s a bold mural brightening a street corner or a subtle design tucked into an unexpected spot, each artwork adds colour, curiosity and character to the urban landscape.
Since its launch, more than 400 artworks have appeared across 130 locations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Over 100 Emirati and locally based artists have contributed their creativity, collectively spending around 17,000 hours transforming nearly 7,800 square metres of public space.
But what makes Abu Dhabi Canvas especially distinctive is its focus on storytelling and connection.
Every artwork is carefully selected to reflect themes such as community, culture, sustainability, mobility and growth, while staying rooted in the UAE’s heritage and identity.
The goal isn’t just visual impact, but meaningful engagement, pieces that spark conversation, reflection and a sense of belonging.
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Local artists play a central role in shaping the city’s visual voice. Their work reflects lived experiences, cultural memory and a deep connection to place, ensuring the art feels authentic rather than ornamental.
Many artists describe the experience of working outdoors as transformative, allowing them to respond directly to the environment and the people who move through it each day.
Of course, creating art in the open air comes with its own challenges. Abu Dhabi’s summer heat means much of the painting and installation takes place during cooler months, using materials designed to withstand the climate.
The result is art that’s not only beautiful, but durable, built to be part of the city for years to come.
Behind the scenes, Abu Dhabi Canvas is supported by collaboration between government entities, foundations and cultural partners, all working together to bring creativity into the public realm.
The real magic, however, lies in the everyday encounters: a morning commute brightened by colour, a neighbourhood wall that tells a story, or a child stopping to stare at a mural instead of a screen.
So keep your eyes peeled for these Banksy-esque creations around the city.
Locations:
Neighbourhood murals: Al Nahyan, Al Bateen, Al Manhal, Al Mushrif, Al Danah, and Al Muntazah
Major streets and roads: Corniche Street, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street
Shopping centres: Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre features large-scale installations by local artists
For further information, visit adcanvas.art
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