Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai is the city’s best known contemporary arts district: a group of converted warehouses in Al Quoz 1 filled with art galleries, design studios, the Concrete exhibition space, Cinema Akil, cafés and independent concept stores. Entry is free and the Avenue is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, while each gallery sets its own hours. You can walk in from 17th Street, 6A Street or First Al Khail Street, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai, and the nearest metro is Onpassive station on the Red Line.
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Table of Contents
Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai quick facts
- Location: Alserkal Avenue, 17th Street, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
- Opening hours: daily, 10 am to 7 pm (gallery and café hours vary)
- Entry: free; some events, workshops and film screenings charge a fee
- Nearest metro: Onpassive station (formerly Al Safa) on the Red Line, then a 5 minute taxi or RTA bus 110
- Parking: over 500 paid RTA spaces nearby, zone code 364C
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Best for: art lovers, photographers, couples and slow travellers
- Current season: the 2026 to 2027 art season opened in September with 19 new exhibitions across 16 galleries
- Big events: Alserkal Art Week (15 to 22 November 2026), Quoz Arts Fest (usually each January) and the spring Alserkal Art Month
Opening hours, events and prices may change and T&C apply. Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for travel bookings.
What Alserkal Avenue in Dubai actually is
Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai is a warehouse arts district in Al Quoz, set up by the Alserkal family and filled with contemporary art galleries, design studios and creative businesses. The area grew from industrial storage units into a cultural hub. It’s for art lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a slower side of Dubai.
People often expect a shopping mall. It isn’t. It’s a cluster of converted warehouses you walk between. 17th Street borders the district, so drivers often use it as the main access road.
Where is Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai located?
Alserkal Avenue sits on 17th Street in Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai. Al Quoz is a mix of warehouses, workshops and creative spaces between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, so the Avenue feels tucked away even though it is close to the city’s main sights. Look for the white warehouse blocks just off Al Manara Street, near the Home Centre traffic light.
There are three ways in: the 17th Street entrance, the Pedestrian Entrance on 6A Street next to the large parking area, and the First Al Khail Street entrance. If you come by taxi, ask the driver for Alserkal Avenue, 17th Street, Al Quoz 1, and most will know it.
| Starting point | Approximate time by car |
|---|---|
| Onpassive Metro Station | 5 minutes |
| Mall of the Emirates | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Dubai Marina | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | 25 to 30 minutes |
Times depend on traffic, especially at rush hour on Sheikh Zayed Road. Want a driver to take you there and back? Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and the team will arrange transport from your hotel.
Top things to do at Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai
- Go gallery hopping. Walk between respected spaces such as The Third Line, Green Art Gallery, Lawrie Shabibi, Leila Heller Gallery, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Ayyam Gallery and Waddington Custot. Each runs its own exhibition calendar, so there is usually something new to see.
- Visit Ishara Art Foundation. This nonprofit space shows contemporary art from South Asia and runs a group show through mid December 2026.
- See a big show at Concrete. This large multipurpose venue hosts the Avenue’s major exhibitions, including a show on pioneering women of Arab modernism with the Barjeel Art Foundation this season.
- Watch a film at Cinema Akil. The UAE’s independent arthouse cinema screens world, regional and classic films and hosts festivals such as Arab Cinema Week.
- Time your trip for Alserkal Art Week. From 15 to 22 November 2026 the district hosts new exhibitions, talks at The Yard, film screenings, slow art walks and family activities. This edition, themed Smouldering, spotlights women modernists of the Arab world such as Etel Adnan and Samia Halaby, plus a Sliman Mansour retrospective at Warehouse 46.
- Join Quoz Arts Fest. This annual weekend festival each January brings art, music, performance and street food, with a focus on emerging artists from the region.
- Come back in spring for Alserkal Art Month. Held over five weekends from April to May in 2026, it adds exhibitions, performances and talks across the Avenue.
- Relax in the cafés and concept stores. Grab specialty coffee or a healthy lunch, browse design shops and join a weekend workshop.
- Photograph the murals. The industrial facades and street art make great photos. Ask staff before shooting inside galleries.
How to plan your visit
- Pick your day. The Avenue is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, but galleries and businesses keep their own hours and some take a weekly day off, so check the venue you most want to see.
- Set your arrival. Aim for 10 am to 11 am. Parking fills up by early afternoon on weekends.
- Get there by car or taxi. From Sheikh Zayed Road, take Al Manara exit (Exit 43) and follow Al Manara Street. Turn right onto First Al Khail Street, right onto 17th Street, then left onto 6A Street for the main parking area and Pedestrian Entrance.
- Or take the metro. Ride the Red Line to Onpassive station, then catch RTA bus 110 from Al Safa Bus Terminus (about every 12 minutes) or take a 5 minute taxi.
- Walk the warehouses. Start at the main entrance and move through the numbered units. Plan 2 to 3 hours for a full loop.
- Book a guided tour with White Sky. Want an art tour, a private car or a full Dubai day plan? Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and the team will arrange it.
- Stop for food. Cafés inside the district serve coffee and light meals. Budget 45 to 60 minutes.
- Check for events. Art nights, talks and screenings often run in the evening. The official Alserkal Avenue opening hours page lists the general hours, and its plan your visit guide covers entrances, buses and parking codes.
The key call is timing. A weekend evening gives events but crowds. Decide before you leave.
Visit plans at a glance
Use this table to match your plan to the right time and setup. Hours shift during Ramadan and public holidays, so confirm with each venue.
| Situation | What to use | How long | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| First visit, weekday | Car or taxi, 10 am start | 2 to 3 hours | Gallery days vary |
| Weekend visit | Arrive before 11 am | 3 to 4 hours | Parking fills fast |
| Art event night | Check event schedule first | 2 to 4 hours | Bigger crowds, later hours |
| Photography trip | Weekday morning light | 1 to 2 hours | Ask before shooting inside galleries |
| Family visit | Midday, shorter loop | 1 to 2 hours | Fewer child focused spaces |
| Ramadan visit | Confirm reduced hours | 1 to 2 hours | Many venues open later |
What separates a good visit from a rushed one
Experienced visitors check the gallery schedule before arriving. Each space runs its own exhibition calendar, so a venue showing nothing new may still be worth a look. Checking official listings saves a wasted trip.
They also work in one direction. Start at one end and move through once, rather than crossing back and forth. The warehouses look similar, and doubling back eats time.
Partway through, they pause. A coffee break halfway keeps energy up, especially in summer heat. They leave the big gallery for last, when it’s quieter.
What they leave alone matters too. They don’t try to see everything at once. The district rewards a slower pace, and a second trip shows something new.
Common problems and quick fixes
Most issues come down to timing and access. Here’s how to handle them.
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery closed | That venue has its own day off | Check venue hours before you go |
| No parking nearby | Weekend afternoon peak | Use a taxi or arrive before 11 am |
| Hard to find a unit | Warehouse numbering isn’t obvious | Use the district map at the entrance |
| Too hot to walk | Midday summer heat | Visit early morning or after 5 pm |
| Quiet, empty spaces | Between exhibitions | Check the event calendar first |
The rules that apply
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism sets the rules for tourism businesses and licensed venues in the city. Galleries operate under Dubai Culture permits, and hours can change during Ramadan or public holidays. Photography inside galleries usually needs permission, so ask staff first.
Keeping the trip on track afterwards
Save your gallery list and any event dates in your phone before you go. Hours shift with the season, so recheck the official listings a day before your visit. For inquiries like flights, transfers, and hotel bookings, message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for easy travels.
When Alserkal Avenue isn’t the right stop
If you want big brand shopping, this isn’t it. Head to Dubai Mall instead. If you have only two hours in Dubai and want landmarks, skip it and book Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets. And if you’re traveling with young kids who need rides and play areas, a theme park suits you better. Alserkal Avenue rewards people who like art and slow walks.
Places to visit near Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai
Al Quoz sits between Downtown Dubai and the coast, so it is easy to pair the Avenue with other sights on the same day.
- Dubai Mall: shopping, the fountain show and the Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, about 15 minutes away by car.
- Museum of the Future: book your Museum of the Future visit on Sheikh Zayed Road, a short drive north.
- Dubai Frame: get Dubai Frame tickets for views of old and new Dubai from Zabeel Park.
- Jumeirah Mosque: the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai welcomes non Muslim visitors on guided cultural tours.
- More ideas close by: Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, Kite Beach, City Walk, Al Quoz Pond Park, Jameel Arts Centre and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Hotels and resorts near Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai
Most visitors stay on Sheikh Zayed Road, in Downtown Dubai or by the beach in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, all within about 20 minutes of the Avenue.
- Sheikh Zayed Road: the Dusit Thani Dubai hotel and Towers Rotana Dubai hotel are quick to reach by taxi and close to the metro.
- Near Mall of the Emirates: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates and Sheraton Mall of the Emirates suit shoppers and families.
- Beach resorts: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah pair well with an art morning in Al Quoz.
- Value stays: Rove hotels around City Walk and Downtown, plus Al Barsha hotels, keep costs low.
White Sky can book any of these stays with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Prices change with the season, T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking.
Related Articles
Planning more of Dubai? These guides will help.
- Burj Khalifa At The Top Tickets
- Dubai Mall Aquarium And Underwater Zoo: Visitor Guide
- Visit Museum of the Future in Dubai
- Dubai Frame Tickets with Tamara or Tabby
- Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai: History, Location, Timings and Visiting Tips
- Top Dubai Sightseeing Packages
Frequently asked questions
Where is Alserkal Avenue in Dubai?
Alserkal Avenue is at 17th Street, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, with entrances on 17th Street, 6A Street and First Al Khail Street. It is about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai.
What is Alserkal Avenue known for?
Alserkal Avenue is known as Dubai’s main contemporary art district. Its converted warehouses in Al Quoz hold leading galleries such as The Third Line and Lawrie Shabibi, the Concrete exhibition venue, Cinema Akil, Ishara Art Foundation, cafés and design stores.
What are Alserkal Avenue opening hours?
The Avenue is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Galleries, cafés and shops set their own hours, and timings can change during Ramadan and public holidays.
Is Alserkal Avenue free to enter?
Yes, entry to the district and most galleries is free. Some events, workshops and film screenings charge a fee.
How long do I need at Alserkal Avenue?
Plan 2 to 3 hours for a full walk through the galleries. Add an extra hour if you stop for food, watch a film or join a tour.
What is the nearest metro station to Alserkal Avenue?
The nearest station is Onpassive Metro Station (formerly Al Safa) on the Red Line. From there take RTA bus 110 or a 5 minute taxi; walking takes about 30 minutes.
Is there parking at Alserkal Avenue?
Parking inside the Avenue is restricted, but there are over 500 paid RTA spaces nearby. Pay with RTA parking zone code 364C.
When is Alserkal Art Week?
Alserkal Art Week runs from 15 to 22 November 2026. This edition, themed Smouldering, spotlights women modernists of the Arab world, with exhibitions, talks, film screenings and family activities across the district.
What is Alserkal Art Month?
Alserkal Art Month is a spring programme at Alserkal Avenue that grew out of the Art Week format. In 2026 it ran over five weekends from 18 April to 18 May with exhibitions, performances and talks.
Is Alserkal Avenue safe for tourists?
Yes, it is a well managed, pedestrian friendly cultural district. Keep normal precautions and ask gallery staff before taking photos inside.
Can I visit Alserkal Avenue at night?
Yes, during evening events, art nights and Cinema Akil screenings. Regular hours end at 7 pm, so check the event calendar for later openings.
What is there to do near Alserkal Avenue?
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Mall of the Emirates and Kite Beach are all within about 20 minutes by car.
Can White Sky arrange a visit to Alserkal Avenue?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange transport, tours, hotel stays and Dubai sightseeing, with Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai is the easiest way to see Dubai’s creative side in one relaxed visit: free entry, world class galleries, an arthouse cinema and great coffee, all in a walkable warehouse district in Al Quoz. Go on a weekday morning for quiet galleries, or time your trip for Alserkal Art Week or Quoz Arts Fest for the full buzz.
Ready to add Alserkal Avenue 17th Street Dubai to your trip? Message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133. The team will handle transport, tours, hotels and Dubai sightseeing packages, with flexible payment through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months.
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