ART CONNECTS WOMEN 2026: 115 Women Artists from 115 Countries Come Together in Dubai
The international art initiative Art Connects Women, bringing together female artists from across the globe, returns to Dubai for its ninth edition, celebrating creativity, cultural diversity, and women’s empowerment.
The international art initiative Art Connects Women (ACW), which has been promoting women’s creativity, cultural exchange, and empowerment through art for nearly a decade, returns to Dubai for its ninth edition, bringing together an extraordinary community of female artists from around the world.
This prestigious event celebrates the transformative power of art, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity, international collaboration, and women’s contributions to contemporary artistic expression.
Art as a Tool for Connection and Empowerment
The ninth edition of Art Connects Women will take place from November 12 to 15, 2026, in Dubai, bringing together 115 women artists representing 115 countries.
This year’s theme, “Educate to Empower”, highlights the essential role of education, culture, and art in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
The initiative’s founder, Mauritius-born artist and curator Zaahirah Muthy, emphasizes that the project was established on the belief that every woman deserves an opportunity to have her voice heard and her creative contributions recognized and valued.
Since its establishment in 2017, Art Connects Women has evolved from a relatively modest exhibition featuring 20 artists from 20 countries into a global platform that has connected more than 700 female artists from 120 countries.
Today, the project represents far more than a traditional art exhibition. Its mission encompasses building an international network of collaboration, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and creating new opportunities for the professional development of women artists.
Four Days of Art, Culture, and International Collaboration
This year’s programme begins on November 12 with an international exhibition opening at DIFC Gate Village in Dubai, where works by all 115 participating artists will be showcased.
The following day, an international conference will take place at the DIFC Convention Centre, exploring the relationship between art, economics, technology, and sustainable development.
Particular attention will be given to the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary artistic production, as well as issues surrounding intellectual property, the creative economy, and innovative funding models for cultural projects.
On November 14, participants will travel to Al Ain for a cultural immersion experience, offering an opportunity to discover the rich heritage, traditions, and identity of the United Arab Emirates.
The event will conclude on November 15 with an international awards gala and sustainable fashion show at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.
The chief guest at the opening ceremony on November 12 will be Her Highness Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, a prominent Emirati advocate for culture and education and a member of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions.
From an Art Exhibition to a Global Cultural Movement
Art Connects Women seeks to move beyond the traditional boundaries of artistic presentation. At its heart lies the desire to connect women artists of different generations, cultural backgrounds, and creative disciplines.
Through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and artistic ideas, participants contribute to an international community in which art becomes a powerful means of communication, education, and social transformation.
This year’s gathering of 115 artists from 115 countries demonstrates that creativity transcends geographical, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.
At a time when the world faces numerous social and cultural challenges, initiatives such as Art Connects Women remind us of art’s unique ability to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and build bridges between cultures.
More than an exhibition, Art Connects Women is a celebration of women’s voices, artistic freedom, and the transformative power of creativity.
Source: FRIDAY Magazine, Gulf News, November 6, 2026, pp. 24–25. Article: “115 Countries Through Women’s Eyes” by Anand Raj OK.
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