As the US-Israel conflict with Iran reaches its fourth week, Gulf nations, known for their vibrant contemporary art scene, are striving to maintain an air of normalcy with the reopening of galleries and museums. This stands in stark contrast to the devastation in Iran and Lebanon, where cultural heritage sites have suffered due to American and Israeli attacks. Experts in wartime art preservation caution that cultural workers and the artifacts they protect in the Gulf States, which have close political and economic ties, could be at risk.
Brian Daniels, director of the Penn Cultural Heritage Center, expressed concerns about the potential threat to cultural infrastructure within the GCC nations due to the ongoing conflict. Since the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on GCC countries that align with the US. Investments in cultural institutions in Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are part of efforts to diversify from oil, yet critics argue these are attempts to obscure human rights issues.
The Art Dubai Fair postponed its 20th edition until mid-May due to war-related challenges, while the NYU Abu Dhabi gallery remains closed. The Sharjah Art Foundation delayed its annual “March Meeting” citing regional tensions. A recent Iranian strike near Abu Dhabi’s cultural district underscored the vulnerability of institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, although no damage was reported.
According to Maliha Tabari, founder of Tabari Artspace, most galleries and museums in the UAE have resumed operations, though the situation remains unstable. On March 13, debris from an intercepted drone landed near her gallery, which is currently open by appointment. The Jameel Arts Center and Qatar’s Mathaf have also reopened, but the region’s reliance on tourism may lead governments to understate conflict threats.
In Iran and Lebanon, cultural sites have been severely impacted, with Iran reporting damage to 114 sites. The US Committee of the Blue Shield emphasizes the need for disaster preparedness plans to protect cultural assets. In the face of potential escalation, Tabari is considering moving projects online and continues to support artists affected by conflict, believing in the power of art to preserve history and influence perceptions.
