Ramadan Cultural Initiatives Across the UAE: Extended Museum Hours, Exhibitions, and Performances

During Ramadan 2025, cultural institutions across the United Arab Emirates are offering extended hours and special programs. The Louvre Abu Dhabi remains open until 1 AM, featuring the exhibition "Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power" (until May 25, 2025), curated by Hélène Joubert in collaboration with the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. It is the first exhibition in the UAE and the region entirely dedicated to African art, presenting over 350 works from the 11th century to today. A highlight is Esther Mahlangu's video mapping piece "Projection of Harmony" (2025), created for the museum. The Louvre also hosts a lecture series with NYU Abu Dhabi on Islamic texts, starting March 8 with Ibn Tufayl's "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan." In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Foundation, founded by Hoor Al Qasimi, expands its Ramadan programming with talks, performances, and film screenings, coinciding with the Sharjah Biennial (February 6 – June 15, 2025), featuring over 190 participants and more than 200 new commissions. In Dubai, the Museum of the Future holds Ramadan Majlis Nights exploring technology and spirituality. Alserkal Avenue presents "Interrupting Patterns" (March 8–16, 2025) with music, workshops, and children's activities, alongside exhibitions: Sola Olulode's "I've Got to Know You Now We May Never Meet Again" at Lawrie Shabibi, Michael Sailstorfer's "Air Electric" and Nour Malas's "Evil is Banal" at Carbon 12.