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.
This exhibition marks the UAE’s ninth participation in the Venice Biennale and signifies a shift toward exploring the country's cultural plurality through the lens of sound and oral history. By focusing on the concept of "whispering," the pavilion moves away from rigid thematic directives to highlight personal narratives and the evolution of the UAE's cultural ecosystem. The inclusion of two former pavilion interns as featured artists also underscores the long-term impact of the UAE's professional development initiatives within the global art scene.