On January 30, 2015, ArtUAE and Artissima Gallery transformed Dubai’s Al Quoz into a dynamic Carnival of Latin art and culture with the inaugural Latin Art Fest (LAF). As part of the milestone 20th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival’s “Journey of Celebrations”, this unforgettable event celebrated the rich artistic heritage of Latin America and Spain, bringing the streets of Al Quoz to life with an explosion of color, music, and culinary delights.

Running from 7 PM to 11 PM, LAF 2015 welcomed thousands of visitors to experience the largest Latino fiesta ever hosted in the UAE. The festival spanned the Alleyway on 8th Street and culminated at Artissima Gallery, where guests were immersed in a vibrant showcase of Latin-American and Spanish performances, street art, and regional cuisine. Attendees were treated to exhilarating live music by renowned Latin artists, creating an authentic street festival ambiance that captivated Dubai’s multicultural audience.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Tariq Zaidi’s powerful solo exhibition, “Latinos in the UAE”, marking the British fine art photographer’s debut in the Middle East. Commissioned exclusively for LAF, the exhibition offered a compelling exploration of the Latino diaspora in the UAE and remained open for public viewing for two weeks at Artissima Gallery.

Maria Urrutia, founder of the All Quoz Project, expressed her excitement: “We are proud to bring the first major celebration of Latin culture to the heart of Dubai this DSF, transforming the streets into a Carnival of Latin art and culture.” Echoing her sentiments, Dr. Ximena Cordova, LAF Project Manager, added, “This event serves as a bridge between the 50,000-strong Latino community in the UAE and our Emirati hosts, while also highlighting the deep historical links between Arabic and Hispanic cultures, placing Dubai as a pivotal site for global cultural exchange.”

The event was presented by ITL World and supported by a host of partners, including Bailame Cuba, Easy Dance, BNF, Bazar Latino, Latinos en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, El Correo del Golfo, and the embassies and consulates of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

The Latin Art Fest exemplified Dubai’s role as a hub for cultural innovation and diversity, leaving a lasting impression on art and culture enthusiasts across the city while deepening the bond between Latin-American and Emirati communities