This month brings an exciting lineup of art exhibits across the Gulf region, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from historical treasures to contemporary explorations. Whether you are drawn to photography, glass sculptures, or conceptual installations, these shows offer a glimpse into the region’s rich art landscape. Here is our list of the top 10 must-see exhibitions in March 2025.
1. Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage
This beautiful exhibition, hosted by the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha until 8 March 2025, is an immersive journey into the cultural and artistic heritage of Islamic Morocco. Part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, this show features more than 200 significant objects, such as manuscripts, ceramics, jewellery, traditional costumes, and more. The display includes loans from Moroccan institutions, many of which are being shown in Qatar for the first time.
2. Timeless Blossoms by Morteza Darehbaghi
Iranian artist Morteza Darehbaghi’s solo exhibition Timeless Blossoms is on view at Leila Heller Gallery until 9 March 2025. His mesmerising works draw from Persian artistic traditions, particularly lacquer painting and Gol-o-Morgh (flower and bird) motifs. Blending classical aesthetics with contemporary techniques, these art pieces celebrate the symbolic beauty of blossoms in art and nature.
3. Chihuly: Selections From Four Decades of Iconic Work
Also at Leila Heller Gallery, this retrospective exhibition presents the stunning glasswork of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly. Spanning about 40 years, from 1985 to 2023, the show displays a large-scale installation, more than 50 glass sculptures, and 2D works that highlight Chihuly’s mastery of form and colour. The exhibition will be open to the public until 9 March 2025.
4. Dance Will Be You Group Exhibition
Meanwhile, Efiɛ Gallery is hosting Dance Will Be You, a collective exhibition running through 20 March 2025. The show brings together works by Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons, famous photographer JK Bruce-Vanderpuije, ceramic artist Dina Nur Satti, and Nigerian-American artist and designer Myles Igwebuike, exploring performative and symbolic dimensions in contemporary African art. The exhibition delves into themes of devotion, contemplation, and transcendence through various art mediums.
5. My Mothers, The Siren, The Vessel, The Womb By Hoda Tawakol
This solo exhibition by Egyptian-French artist Hoda Tawakol explores the enduring influence of three maternal figures in her life: her mother, grandmother, and childhood caretaker. Through archival footage, personal photographs, and intricate mixed-media works, the show examines memory, femininity, and motherhood. Housed by Gallery Isabelle, it will remain open until 28 March 2025.
6. Narrators of Dissonance Group Exhibition
Curated by contemporary art historian and artist Salima Hashmi, this show at 1X1 Art Gallery presents the diverse works of four female artists of South Asian origin: Nida Bangash, Ruby Chishti, Aisha Abid Hussain, and Sania Samad. The exhibition will be open to the public until 31 March 2025.
7. The Life of an Itinerant through a Pinhole by Behzad Khosravi Noori
Until 31 March 2025, Gulf Photo Plus is holding The Life of an Itinerant through a Pinhole, a compelling solo exhibition by artist and writer Behzad Khosravi Noori. It reconstructs the visual history of marginalised communities through the lens of the artist’s grandfather, Gholamreza Amirbeigi, a working-class immigrant photographer in 1950s-60s Tehran. This archival project sheds light on forgotten narratives and the power of photography in reclaiming erased histories.
8. Simurgh Self-Help by Slavs and Tatars
The Simurgh Self-Help exhibition features the newest works by Slavs and Tatars, a renowned art collective. Inspired by Musée d’Art Moderne – Département des Aigles (1968-1972) by Belgian poet and artist Marcel Broodthaers, these pieces reinterpret the Simurgh, a legendary bird of Persian and Turkic mythology, through a contemporary lens. The show is taking place at The Third Line and will end on 4 April 2025.
9. Shama Al Hamed: I Jump – Will I Stick the Landing?
The Aisha Alabbar Gallery is hosting I Jump – Will I Stick the Landing?, Emirati artist Shama Al Hamed’s solo exhibition. Through paintings, sculptures, and installations, Al Hamed reveals a deeper understanding of the emotional experiences that have shaped her art style. One will be able to have a look at her creations until 5 April 2025.
10. I’ve Got to Know You Now We May Never Meet Again by Sola Olulode
Lawrie Shabibi Gallery invites everyone to visit Nigerian artist Sola Olulode’s solo show that delves into the connections between femininity, nature, and mythology. Through colourful, expressive compositions, the artist reimagines personal and mythical narratives. The exhibition will be on view until 9 April 2025.
In addition, you might be interested in attending A Shroud is a Cloth by Adrian Pepe.
