From the swish streets of Gate Village in DIFC to the rough ‘n’ ready Al Quoz district, Dubai has plenty of art to keep you inspired. Here are the five best exhibitions to see right now, whether you’re a casual observer or the next Charles Saatchi.

PASSAGES/TOROQ
Egyptian artist Sherin Guirguis’ first solo show in the region draws on her common themes of place, identity and the role of women. Juxtaposing the traditional with the contemporary, Western versus Middle Eastern ornamentation, and the continuing impact of the Arab Spring, her beautiful, lyrical, near-abstract multi-media renderings enhance, rather than detract, from the strength of her message.
Until December 5
The Third Line, opposite Golden Sands Laundry, Street 6, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3411367. Taxi: Al Quoz 3.
Free
thethirdline.com

THE LURE OF BEAUTY: FROM THE MARTIN FERVERS COLLECTION
Calling all fashionistas: get thee to your sister emirate now. Sharjah Art Museum’s dip into the private collection of German art collector Martin Fervers (below) offers a fascinating overview of fashion photography and illustration, from the early 20th century until now. Lanvin, Balmain and Dior are all represented here. Astonishing.
Until November 30
Sharjah Art Museum, Arts Area, Sharjah
Tel: (06) 5688222. Taxi: Arts Area, Sharjah. 
sharjahmuseums.ae

The Lure of Beauty and Unfathomable

UNFATHOMABLE
From his 8m piece in Spain to commemorate Columbus’ departure for the New World, to more than a dozen public sculptures in his native Venezuela, sculptor Rafael Barrios is a monumental figure in South American art. While this exhibition (above) can’t promise anything on that scale, it offers a fascinating insight into his work within geometric art, manipulating shapes to play with our perceptions of them.
November 11 to December 7
Art Sawa, Building 8, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3408660. Metro: Financial Centre.
Free
artsawa.com

TRY TO REACH THE GOAL WITHOUT TOUCHING THE WALLS
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi – that ‘nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect in the natural cycle of growth, decay and death’ – Michael Sailstorfer’s wilfully abstract works present us with pure meditations on beauty. Playing with context and form, it’s a fun, thought-provoking look at the world around us.
November 17 to January 7
Carbon 12, Unit D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3406016. Taxi: Al Serkal Avenue.
Free
carbon12dubai.com

NABIL NAHAS
Returning to the Lawrie Shabibi gallery for a second solo show this month, Nabil Nahas’ work is as seductive as ever. Showing tactile ‘3D’ paintings comprising layers of ground pumice and acrylic paint from his Fractals series, alongside those from his Galactic works, the common theme is one of abstraction and alternative views – the mighty viewed as micro and vice versa.
Until January 2014
Lawrie Shabibi, Unit 21, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3469906. Taxi: Al Serkal Avenue
Free
lawrieshabibi.com