Alserkal Avenue in Dubai has launched "Deja Vu," a multi-gallery exhibition bringing together 20 UAE-based galleries at the Concrete venue, running until May 8. Curated by Zaina Zaarour with co-curators Kevin Jones and Nada Raza, the show features works including German artist Michael Sailstorfer's installation of a car fuel tank, reflecting anxieties around fuel prices and geopolitical uncertainty. The exhibition emerged from urgent community meetings after the Iran war disrupted the spring art season, which typically includes Art Dubai and collector visits. Participating galleries include 16 from Alserkal Avenue, plus Nika Project Space, Total Arts at The Courtyard, Tabari Artspace, and Iris Projects, with many works priced under $10,000 to facilitate sales.
The exhibition matters because it demonstrates how UAE galleries are collaborating to sustain commercial and communal momentum during a disrupted season, offering a commercial lifeline when footfall and collector engagement are affected. By combining curatorial ambition with accessible pricing and a full price list, "Deja Vu" addresses both the immediate economic pressures on galleries and the broader need to maintain audience and collector connections. The show also signals the resilience of Dubai's art ecosystem, with Art Dubai adapting its fair to May and Bam Auctions debuting in the region, highlighting a collective effort to revive the local art scene after a period of uncertainty.