Artist

Abdul Qader Al Rais

Born in Dubai, 1951 and lives in Dubai

Abdul Qader Al Rais is one of the most-acclaimed artists from the United Arab Emirates.
Born in 1951, he left Dubai to study in Kuwait. Undoubtedly, Abdul Qader’s early experiences in Kuwait, including the teachings impacted his development both artistically and intellectually. He left grammar school and returned to Dubai in 1974 where he worked at the Ministry of Labour as a labour inspector. He pursued his education and earned a degree in Sharia Law at the United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain.
Al Rais paints landscape and architectural scenes inspired by traditional Emirati neighbourhoods, buildings and forts using a photorealistic style. The established artist also creates abstract paintings incorporating Arabic letters. The use of small floating squares is a signature style carrying through Al Rais’ works.
Recipient of the first Sheikh Khalifa Prize for Art & Literature, Dubai-born Al Rais developed his distinct style through years of experimentation.
Al-Raies has held exhibitions worldwide since 1965 and he has participated in numerous prestigious art events around the world, in Dubai, Beirut, Washington DC, Kuwait, Oman, Riyadh, among others.
Abdul Qader Al Rais is one of the artists representing the country at the UAE National Pavillion during the 56th Venice Biennale.

Exhibitions
Exhibitions
When Images Speak: Highlights from the Dubai Collection
An exhibition curated by Dr Nada Shabout which presents a selection of modern and contemporary art from across the Middle Eastern region.
06 Nov 2021 - 06 May 2022
Etihad Museum
Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Exhibitions
Abdul Qader Al Rais: Nuqta: The Diacritic
Abdul Qader Al Rais's first ever solo exhibition
23 Mar 2020 - 15 Sep 2020
Leila Heller Gallery
Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Art Spaces
Salwa Zeidan Gallery
Galleries in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Leila Heller Gallery
Galleries in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Etihad Modern Art Gallery
Galleries in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
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