Abdulqader Al Rais retrospective 'Al Nayed' opens at Opera Gallery Dubai

Opera Gallery Dubai has opened "Al Nayed", a retrospective of Abdulqader Al Rais, one of the founding figures of contemporary art in the UAE. It runs from 8 to 25 October 2026.

The gallery says the show includes rare works from the artist's private collection alongside pieces made for this exhibition. It follows his path from early impressionistic paintings of Emirati buildings and landscapes to geometric and spiritual abstraction.

Several of his series are on view: Alghaf, inspired by the ghaf tree; the Calligraphy series, which treats the Arabic letter as a visual form; his early Impressionism series; and the Abstract series with its square motifs. Works listed by the gallery include "My Dubai" (2014), an oil on canvas three metres wide.

The gallery's page does not list an entry fee or opening hours. A catalogue can be downloaded from the exhibition page.