Total Arts

Total Arts is one of the first dedicated space to art in Dubai and the first gallery in Al Qouz Industrial area, which has been in operation since 1998. Total Arts exhibits works of art from variety of cultures and continents. The gallery specializes in Middle Eastern arts and aims to discover and expose new artists, as well as enrich the culture of the UAE.

The Courtyard is located in the Al Qouz Industrial area of Dubai. A privately operated community center, it was founded, designed and built by architect Dariush Zandi.

The center houses an art gallery, a theatre with 70-seat capacity, coffee & juice bar, flower boutique, unique home accessories and gift shop, printing, film and photography studios and spaces for interior designers and artists.

Al Quoz is home to numerous factories and workshops. Since the opening of The Courtyard in 1998, the area has changed significantly and many galleries and art studios have now established themselves here or relocated to the neighborhood, which has flourished in recent years to become an artistic and cultural hub.

The Courtyard concept was to create a viable multidisciplinary community center, which could house a variety of functions, exhibitions and cultural activities in a city that is home to many different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. It was created to be a place for people to meet, interact and learn about each other while engaging in art and culture.

Two gates face two main roads, between them a long courtyard flanked on either side by ten buildings with different facades, showcasing the architecture of the Gulf. This makes up the core of The Courtyard. The buildings themselves are composed of numerous other components salvaged over the last 25 years by Zandi from around the UAE and the Gulf, now cleverly repurposed and perfectly preserved in their new home.

The Courtyard narrates the story of the city itself, of Dubai, its society and culture in an abstract language created by inspirational architecture gated by facades of steel and glass. The Courtyard seeks to act as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and provide a gateway to art and culture.