UAE National Pavilion to Present ‘Washwasha’ at Venice Biennale 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The National Pavilion UAE will present its exhibition “Washwasha” from 9 May to 22 November 2026 as part of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, according to WAM.

Curated by Bana Kattan, Curator and Associate Head of Exhibitions at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, with Assistant Curator Tala Nassar, the exhibition brings together works by six artists exploring contemporary soundscapes and cultural narratives within the UAE.

“Washwasha” features works by Alaa Edris, Mays Albaik, Jawad Al Malhi, Farah Al Qasimi, Lamya Gargash, and Taus Makhacheva, examining how sound can preserve memory, reflect transformation, and capture movement and migration.

The title “Washwasha”, derived from the Arabic word for “whispering”, provides a conceptual framework for exploring themes of technology, oral histories, and the relationship between language, identity, and the body.

The exhibition positions sound as a powerful medium of collective expression, connecting contemporary artistic practices with longstanding traditions such as storytelling, poetry, and broadcasting.

Reflecting evolving cultural landscapes

By contrasting early sound practices with modern, technology-driven listening cultures, the exhibition highlights how shifts in infrastructure, architectural, technological, and social have reshaped how communities in the UAE communicate and connect.

These narratives present the UAE as a dynamic cultural environment shaped by mobility, layered histories, and diverse modes of expression across land and sea.

Alongside the exhibition, the National Pavilion UAE will publish a dedicated volume featuring essays and conversations that examine sound through historical, personal, and theoretical perspectives.

The Pavilion continues to engage with local communities through public programming and professional initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of cultural and creative industries in the UAE.

Leadership perspectives on cultural impact

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said,

Since its inception, the National Pavilion UAE has served as a platform to nurture and showcase the country’s creative talent on the global stage of La Biennale di Venezia. The Pavilion continues to strengthen its central role within the UAE’s cultural ecosystem and enhance its presence locally. We remain committed to supporting this vital platform, which highlights the UAE’s contribution to global dialogue on art, design, and architecture.

Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, said,

The National Pavilion UAE continues its commitment to supporting artistic research that reflects the diversity and complexity of our contemporary reality. This project brings together research, practice, and public dialogue, creating a space for reflection, exchange, and new perspectives. We are honoured to participate in Biennale Arte 2026 with an exhibition that contributes meaningfully to global discourse while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural context.

Bana Kattan, Curator of the exhibition, said,

Washwasha’ is an artist-led exhibition, with each participant offering a distinct and valuable perspective on its themes. It is an honour to collaborate with this group of artists, who are integral to the UAE’s artistic landscape, and with the National Pavilion UAE on this occasion. The research generated by the exhibition, further explored in the accompanying publication, presents diverse perspectives on the transient and elusive nature of intangible histories.

Laila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia, said,

The National Pavilion UAE remains committed to sharing and celebrating the UAE’s rich intangible heritage through contemporary artistic expression. This group exhibition brings together artists from different generations, reflecting the depth and continuity of the UAE’s cultural fabric. This edition also demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in artistic development and collaboration.

Commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture, the National Pavilion UAE continues to play a key role in representing the country’s cultural identity on the international stage.

With its permanent pavilion at the Arsenale – Sale d’Armi in Venice, the initiative reinforces the UAE’s contribution to global artistic dialogue while fostering long-term investment in creative talent and cultural exchange.