The street art transforming Abu Dhabi
The artwork that stayed with Abu Dhabi resident Ahmed Jamal was not found in a gallery. It appeared across a bus shelter, where astronauts and images of space transformed an ordinary wait into something memorable. He recalls how moments like this make the city feel more expressive and attentive to the people who move through it. “Art in public spaces breaks up plain buildings, makes commuting fun…
Artwork in Abu Dhabi has become an integral part of the city's landscape, transforming mundane spaces into vibrant expressions of creativity. Ahmed Jamal, a resident of Abu Dhabi, recalls how a bus shelter adorned with astronauts and space imagery turned a routine wait into a memorable experience. He believes that public art breaks up the monotony of plain buildings, making commuting enjoyable and providing neighborhoods with distinct personalities.
"It makes you feel closer to your city, and it shows that Abu Dhabi cares about the details and the people who live there," Jamal says.
Abu Dhabi Canvas is a program launched by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) that treats everyday surfaces like bus shelters, utility boxes, and delivery rider hubs as potential canvases for creativity. Since its inception, the program has seen over 400 installations appear at more than 130 locations across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, covering nearly 7,800 square meters. These installations, created by more than 100 local artists, contribute to the visual character of the city's streets.
Artist Ramy El Zaghawy, a graffiti artist and educator, has witnessed the impact of Abu Dhabi Canvas firsthand. His murals can be found on streets like Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Falah Street, in Al Bateen, and at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. El Zaghawy's work, drawn from his Emirati heritage, reinterprets familiar symbols through a contemporary lens, such as a camel draped in Sadu fabric or a falcon framed by geometric patterns.
The size and placement of his pieces shift how they are experienced, turning quiet walls into living, interactive art.
Public art in Abu Dhabi serves several purposes beyond aesthetics. It helps people navigate the city more easily, gives neighborhoods a visual anchor, and allows local artists to shape the city's identity. The program has collaborated with organizations like the Mubadala Foundation, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge to reach new settings and expand opportunities for artists.
The choice of subject matter also plays a role in the program's impact, with themes ranging from Emirati culture to sustainability and community life.
These small, everyday moments of art can significantly influence how people perceive and connect with a city. As cities compete for residents, talent, and investment, the attention to detail in public spaces can make a significant difference in shaping a sense of belonging and identity. Abu Dhabi Canvas is part of DMT's Liveability and Investment Exhibition, LIVEX 2026, taking place from September 29 to October 1 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
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