Once an industrial area in the very centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region's leading art hubs.

Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word soon caught on and other galleries moved into the area. Alserkal Avenue soon grew and became a popular parade of gallery exhibits and displays of contemporary artwork, as well as seasonal events and open-air community days.

It's the first such precinct to exist in the UAE and comes under the guidance of Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate-winner Rem Koolhaas. Even if you're not typically a fan of the arts, it's worth making time to visit Alserkal Avenue's contemporary galleries and creative community spaces.