Art at the Creek: Radisson Blu and ArtforumUAE Open a Cross-Cultural Exhibition in Dubai

Dubai’s historic Creek district became the setting for a new artistic milestone as Radisson Blu – Creek Hotel partnered with ArtforumUAE to present their first curated art exhibition. Opening on January 24, 2026, the show gathered an international group of artists whose practices span continents, traditions, and contemporary approaches.

The opening reception, held from 6 pm to 9 pm, welcomed collectors, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts into a space where hospitality and artistic experimentation intersect.

A Guest of Honor Championing Culture

The evening was distinguished by the presence of Mr. Khalil Alwahid, Creative Director of Dubai Culture Office, who attended as guest of honor and participating artist. His involvement highlighted Dubai’s commitment to fostering dialogue between local institutions and global creative communities.

A Conversation Across Borders

Curated by ArtforumUAE and Mr. Peter Gressman, the exhibition assembled artists from Iran, India, Egypt, Germany, Syria, and Japan—each bringing a unique visual language into conversation.

One particularly striking work was Paarth Kanhaii’s featured piece depicting a delicately balanced scale bearing sacred and literary volumes. The image—at once poetic and philosophical—invited viewers to reflect on knowledge systems, belief structures, and the fragile equilibrium between traditions. Rendered with restrained tones and symbolic clarity, the artwork exemplified the exhibition’s broader thematic concerns with coexistence, heritage, and contemporary identity.

Artists in Focus

The exhibition featured:

Elahe Baghaie (Iran)

Paarth Kanhaii (India)

Behnaz Zohouri (Iran)

Mai Alshalaby (Egypt)

Eva Heusel (Germany)

Mohannad Kelani (Syria)

Shalini Sequeira (India)

Mohan Ponchithra (India)

lAlex Rodrigues (India)

Lena Okamoto (Japan)

Dr. Mani Ravichandra (India)

Safa Pechimam (India)

Shalini Sequeira (India)

Ahmed Al Alwadhi (UAE)

Mouza Rashed Al Darmaki (UAE)

Together, their works formed a multifaceted narrative—moving between figurative realism, conceptual symbolism, experimental portraiture, and process-based material explorations.

An Immersive Setting

Installed within the elegant interiors of Radisson Blu Creek Hotel, the exhibition blurred the boundaries between gallery and social space. Guests encountered paintings and mixed-media works while circulating through lounges and corridors, turning the hotel into a temporary cultural promenade.

This approach echoed ArtforumUAE’s mission to expand access to art by situating exhibitions in spaces frequented by diverse audiences, encouraging spontaneous discovery and dialogue.

Photo by Eva Heusel

A Promising Cultural Partnership

As Radisson Blu Creek steps into the role of cultural host, its collaboration with ArtforumUAE marks an important development in Dubai’s creative ecosystem. The exhibition signals a commitment not only to showcasing international talent but also to sustaining platforms for artistic exchange in the city.

With its global roster and thoughtful curatorial framing, this first edition at the Creek sets a confident precedent—one that art lovers will watch closely as future exhibitions unfold.