How the World Feels: Abu Dhabi’s Landmark Children’s Biennale

Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape expands with the arrival of an extraordinary artistic initiative: the Middle East’s first outdoor Children’s Biennale, a visionary celebration of youthful imagination curated by Dana Almazrouei. Entitled “How the World Feels”, this remarkable gathering places the curiosity, creativity and wonder of young audiences at its very centre, inviting children and their families into a world of profound artistic discovery.

The biennale brings together a distinguished assembly of UAE based artists alongside the internationally renowned Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho, whose participation is presented in partnership with National Gallery Singapore. This collaboration across continents and cultures represents a shared commitment to nurturing the artistic sensibilities of the next generation, creating a space where young minds can explore, question and encounter entirely new ways of perceiving and engaging with the world.

Set within the verdant grounds of Umm Al Emarat Park, the biennale unfolds from 6 November through 6 December 2026, offering an extended season for discovery and creative engagement. The outdoor setting provides an immersive environment where art transcends the traditional gallery walls, allowing children to encounter artistic expression within the natural landscape and experience the seamless integration of cultural celebration with the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s cherished public spaces.

This visionary project stands as a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering artistic appreciation from the earliest age, demonstrating how contemporary art can serve as a vehicle for expanding the horizons of young audiences and encouraging them to develop their own creative voices.