Since 2003, XVA has been a meeting point for the cultural community of Dubai and visitors, contributing to raise the profile of the undiscovered Dubai through a rich cultural program. Thanks to the recent merger with Fereydoun Ave (artist, curator and owner of Ave Gallery), XVA offers artists and the public the largest exhibition space in Dubai. Located in Bastakiya, the historical part of Dubai, XVA comprises a gallery, a shop, an Art Hotel, a dhow and a café. In addition, XVA offers expert consultancy services in art and culture management.

XVA’s gallery is a vibrant art space that exhibits a stimulating array of contemporary paintings, sculptures and art installations. It exposes the works of regional and international artists. Some of the artists featured at XVA are: Moussa Tiba, Fereydoun Ave, Malekeh Nayiny, Faisal Samra, Katia Al Tal, Farideh Lashai, Halim Al Karim, Laudi Abilama, Mu’tassim Al Kubaissi, Rameshwar Broota, Hussain Al Mohassen, Reza Derakshani, Ardershir Mohassess, Nelda Gilliam, Rodin Hamidi, Mohammed Ali Talpur, Mohammad Youssuf Ali, Shideh Tami, Abbas Kiarostami. XVA also focuses its agenda on promoting UAE artists as well as leading designers such as Gaia&Gino, Nada Debs or Sameh El Shahat.

As part of its engagement with culture, XVA organized the second edition of the Creek Art Fair in March 2008, animating the Bastakiya area with works of art. XVA has hosted international events such as the global launch of Paolo Coelho’s book ‘The Witch of Portobello’ in 2007 and the Gala of the International Herald Tribune Modern Luxury Conference in 2005. It also hosted film director Mahmoud Kaabour in 2006 for a private projection of his documentary ‘Being Osama’. Corporate events were also celebrated at XVA for clients such as Nokia, Hermes, BMW, Al Tayer Group, Chalhoub Group, Arab Capital and Medecins Sans Frontieres. XVA was also selected for the filming of the second “One Giant Leap” movie to be released in April 2008. From November to May, it is the venue for films, concerts and lectures.

XVA’s Art Hotel includes six boutique rooms, designed by well-established designers and artists from the region. These include Zayan Ghandour, Essa, Sameh El Shaht, Nada Debs, Karim Rashid, Laudi Abilama, Gaia&Gino. The Art Hotel is a member of Chic Retreats. Featured in Condé Nast Traveller 2006 as the number 1 “Not To Miss” spot in Dubai, Wallpaper magazine and the Luxe Guide, XVA has also been awarded Time Out’s Highly Commended Café award for 2006.

Through its advisory services, XVA also provides expert consultancy and full project management for companies and individuals requirements in art.