11 cool galleries, stores and cafes opening at Alserkal Avenue's new extension

Dubai’s art and creative hub Alserkal Avenue is packed with new openings.

If you’ve been to Al Quoz recently, you’ll have noticed that Alserkal Avenue is sporting a hefty new extension. Among the stretches of grey warehouses you’ll find a host of new galleries, shops, studios and cafes. Here are 11 of the latest openings (and a few to look out for!)

1. The Odd Piece

Pick up a quirky statement piece for your front room at this upcycled furniture shop, which has relocated from its spot at Al Wasl Square. The Odd Piece is a treasure trove packed full of vibrant vintage furnishings. Each piece has been lovingly restored courtesy of Saudi-born Arwa Hafiz, who explored the world’s souks, flea markets and antique dealers to find them.
Unit G65, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3791217. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. the-oddpiece.com

2. Elmarsa

Discover some of the world’s best Arabic artists at this new contemporary gallery. Elmarsa has been showcasing regional artists from its gallery in Tunisia for more than 20 years, and its new spot in Dubai includes work from artists such as the major 20th century painter Baya Mahieddine, whose work was said to inspire Picasso himself, and the Algerian artist Rachid Koracihi, whose work can be found in Elmarsa this month.
Unit23, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3415806. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. galerielmarsa.com

3. The Junction

Support local performing talent at this mini but mighty theatre. With a professional stage, workshop rooms and even a script archive to help inspire writers, The Junction is an exciting new venue, all about shining a light on the UAE’s talented actors, dancers, musicians and comedians. It’s already hosted the theatre festival Short+Sweet and currently holding free Bollywood sessions.
Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Mon to Sun 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3388525. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. thejunctiondubai.com

4. The MB&F M.A.D Gallery

The M.A.D Gallery in Dubai is the third of its kind worldwide to be launched by luxury Swiss watch manufacturers MB&F. Not only can you explore their timepieces, but there are all kinds of weird and wonderful mechanical art devices.
UnitH81, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3307366. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. mbandf.com/mad-gallery

Coming soon…

5. Wild And The Moon

Gym bunnies might recognise Wild And The Moon, as its cold-pressed juices and veggie-packed snacks can be found at gyms across Dubai. Also known for its detox programmes, the health-conscious foodies have now opened their first café for breakfast and
lunch. Tuck into organic, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free delights, including its Feed The Wolf juice – kale chips and ‘coco macaroon’ energy bars.
Opening: March 14
UnitH77. Tel: (055) 1835405. wildandthemoon.com

6. Custot Gallery Dubai

Already in London and Paris, Custot Gallery Dubai will feature a great mix of 20th century art. First up is The World Meets Here, a mix of fine art and large sculptures, including work by sculptor Marc Quinn.
Opening in: March 14
Unit I84. Tel: (050) 5569797. custotgallerydubai.ae

7. Jean-Paul Najar Foundation

This private gallery will house pieces of minimalist and conceptual art collected by Jean-Paul Najar while he lived in Paris between the 1960s and 1990s. Expect paintings, photographs and sculptures.
Opening in: March 14
Unit E45. Tel: (050) 4511948. jpnajarfoundation.com

8. The Jam Jar

The creative space is moving from its long-standing spot in Al Quoz to bigger quarters, where it will offer its public DIY painting classes, arty workshops and team-bonding artist corporate sessions. It won’t be fully functional until April, but is hosting an exhibition ‘Mangroves from the Water’ from March 9 to 23.
Opening in: April 
Unit H74. Tel: (04) 3417303. thejamjardubai.com

9. eL Seed Studio

The man behind the vibrant street art on the side of the Sharjah building is planning to bring his unique style of ‘calligraffiti’ back to the UAE when he opens his new Dubai studio.
Opening in: March
Unit H75. elseed-art.com

10. CHI-KA

The online boutique is opening its first shop, where you can peruse kimono-abayas. Each piece is sewn, painted and embroidered by hand in Japan.
Opening in: April
Unit H69. Tel: (050) 7445911. chikacollection.com

11. Hapi

From Dubai’s own chef (and part-time model) Paul Frangie, Hapi is more like a community centre than a café. There’ll be a diner and fitness classes offering dance, yoga and parkour.
Opening in: April
Unit E42. Tel: (052) 978384. facebook.com/behapi