Tucked away in Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre is a hub for emerging regional artists. The centre is not just an exhibition space — it organises workshops, hosts art fairs and brings together artists from around the globe.
Whether you are a beginner artist, a creativity lover or an explorer, the venue has something to keep everyone entertained. Scroll down to learn more about Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah.
- Overview
- Location
- Nearby Communities
- How to Get to Maraya Art Center
- Opening Hours
- Contact Information
- Initiatives and Projects
- Venues
- Publications
- Programmes and Workshops
- Ticket Prices
- FAQs
Overview of Maraya Art Centre
Maraya Art Centre was founded in 2006 to support emerging artists and designers. This not-for-profit organisation is located in the Al Qasba area of Sharjah. It empowers young artists by hosting workshops, lectures and exhibitions.
In addition, the centre has initiated various projects, including Maraya Art Gallery and Maraya Art Park. These initiatives encourage artists to collaborate, share, learn and grow. Moreover, it features the Burjeel Art Foundation, which hosts different historical and modern art exhibitions.
Maraya Art Centre Location
Maraya Art Centre is in Al Qasba on Al Taawun Road, Sharjah, UAE.
Nearby Communities
If you live in one of the following communities, you are minutes away from Maraya Art Center:
- Al Taawun: 7-minute drive
- Al Khan: 8-minute drive
- Al Majaz: 9-minute drive
- Al Nahda: 11-minute drive
- Al Qusais: 13-minute drive
How to Get to Maraya Art Centre
Visitors can easily commute to Maraya Art Centre using the Sharjah public transport. Different bus routes operate between Dubai, Sharjah and other Emirates. Here are the details:
Via Public Bus
Board the E306 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai and reach Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. From there, the centre is a few minutes walk away.
Similarly, you can take the E307A bus from Abu Hai Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah.
Via Car or Taxi
If you’re coming from the City Centre Sharjah, or the surrounding areas, you can take Al Wahda Street. After some distance, merge onto Al Taawun Street and continue on Al Corniche Street to reach Maraya Art Center.
On the contrary, taxi users can book a ride using the Sharjah taxi apps.
Opening Hours
Here are the Maraya Art Centre timings:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Friday: 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm
Contact Information
Do you have any queries regarding workshops, programmes and exhibitions? Contact the customer care at the following number and email:
- Phone: +971-6-556-6555
- Email: info@maraya.ae
Initiatives and Projects
Maraya Art Center isn’t just an art gallery or an exhibition space. From exhibitions to lectures and workshops, the centre has taken the following initiatives:
1. The Maraya Art Gallery
The Maraya Art Gallery bridges the gap between contemporary and historical art. It hosts various exhibitions of emerging and established artists.
For instance, Nadia Saikali and Her Contemporaries is a recent exhibition planned at The Maraya Art Gallery. Here are the details:
- Date: 02nd February 2025 to 13th July 2025
- Time: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
2. 1971 Design Space
1971 Design Space is another initiative to celebrate different forms of contemporary Arab art. It is a space where different schools, architects and designers meet, collaborate, share ideas and create something meaningful. From furniture and graphics to interior and tech, the design space has positioned itself as a regional artists’ hub.
3. Maraya Art Park
Maraya Art Park brings local and international art to outdoor spaces. Currently, the park has two sections at Al Majaz Waterfront, namely:
- The Sculpture Park: Displays artworks from local and international artists.
- Children’s Art Park: Showcases art in a fun way for young minds to interact, explore and enjoy. This includes sculptures, edutainment activities and different games.
Moreover, a third art park comprising a Sculpture Park and a Street Art Area is under development at the Heart of Sharjah.
4. Maraya Residencies
Maraya Art Centre activities include an Art Residency Programme, where emerging artists are offered a platform for global recognition. Every year, selected artists undergo training, receive expert support and learn new art skills here.
5. Jedariya
Jedariya brings street art to public spaces while engaging youth in fruitful art events and discussions. Here are a few notable street art initiatives taken by Jedariya previously:
- Poetic Wall Art by eL Seed | Stunning calligraffiti of a renowned artist showcased on the streets of Sharjah.
- Manifestations | Magdy Elkafrawy and Mohamed Abdelaziz showcase Islamic heritage in their art collections.
- Ahazeej Chants by Fathima Mohiuddin | Mural art displaying popular works by Fathima Mohiuddin, a leading UAE-based artist.
6. Maraya Project Space
Since 2010, Maraya Project Space has maintained an art collection of notable works from regional and international artists. Its main aim is to promote Gulf art within the region through various residency programmes, art fairs and exhibitions.
Venues
Here are the main venues at Maraya Art Centre:
1. The Shop @ Maraya
Buy art and design products, art editions and other supplies at The Shop @ Maraya. This go-to art shop is located on the second floor of Maraya Art Centre.
2. The Library Corner
Enjoy a good reading hour at The Library Corner with a refreshing cup of coffee. From books to magazines, you can find everything here.
3. Workshop Space
Art Centre workshops are held in the Workshop Space. Whether it’s an art lecture, a small gathering or a children’s event, the space caters to every need.
Publications
Maraya Art Centre also documents different events and exhibitions in its publications. This allows art enthusiasts to research, experiment and create something new on an existing idea. Here are some of the past publications that you can find on Maraya Art Centre’s website:
- Islamopolitan | 2014
- Accented | 2015
- Zero | 2015
- Imitation Game | 2016
- Once Upon A Time: Hadiqat Al Umma | 2017
- Remade | 2018
- RASM: Contemporary Arabic TypoGraphic Posters 2008-2018 | 2018 – 2019
- The Silence Between Us | 2018 – 2019
- The Place I Call Home | 2020
- Rearranging the Riddle | 2020
- Malamih – Faces, Phantoms, Expressions | 2021
- Hard Edges | 2024
Programmes and Workshops
Maraya Art Centre Sharjah, organises workshops and programmes to equip emerging artists with the right skills and knowledge. From embroidery to painting classes in Sharjah, the centre is well-known for hosting art workshops such as:
- Photo Embroidery Workshop
- Spinner Making Workshop
- Cardboard Wall Art Workshop
- Clay on Canvas Workshop
Please check out Maraya Art Center’s website for the exact dates and timings of upcoming workshops.
Ticket Prices
There is no entry fee for Maraya Art Centre. However, ticket prices vary depending on the workshop or event. Please refer to the centre’s official website for more information.
FAQs
Maraya Art Centre hosts art and design workshops, such as Embroidery Workshop, Clay on Canvas Workshop and Spinner Making Workshop.
Some of the initiatives by Maraya Art Centre include The Maraya Art Gallery, 1971 Design Space and Maraya Art Park.
Maraya Art Centre isn’t just a venue to exhibit your artwork—it’s a space that celebrates emerging artists. From art fairs and residency programmes to workshops and lectures, the centre supports beginner artists in many ways.
If you are an art lover or a design enthusiast, you can explore the Sharjah Art Museum.
