UAE pavilion announces Venice Biennale exhibition inspired by Arabic word for whispering

The National Pavilion UAE has unveiled details for its exhibition at the 2026 Venice Biennale, titled "Washwasha." Curated by Bana Kattan with assistant curator Tala Nassar, the show features six artists—Mays Albaik, Jawad Al Malhi, Farah Al Qasimi, Alaa Edris, Lamya Gargash, and Taus Makhacheva—whose works explore contemporary soundscapes, memory, and transformation in the UAE. The exhibition will be housed in a pavilion designed by Buro Koray Duman Architects, featuring a series of chambers that transition from intimate listening spaces to areas of sonic overlap.