Inside a Local Dubai Artist’s Creative Life and Daily Routine 2025

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Dubai has long been seen as a hub for luxury, architecture, and global business. But beneath its glittering skyline lies a vibrant, ever-evolving creative community. From street art to gallery showcases, the city’s art scene is thriving. And at the heart of this cultural bloom are its local artists.

So, what does a day in the life of a local Dubai artist really look like? We spent a full day with Leila, a 33-year-old Emirati painter based in Al Quoz, to understand her creative process, challenges, and inspirations.

6:00 AM – Morning Rituals and Mindfulness

Leila starts her day early. By 6:00 AM, her alarm rings, and the artist begins her day with light stretching and meditation. For Leila, her art is not just physical it is deeply emotional and spiritual. “I need my mind clear before I start creating,” she says.

Her morning routine includes a short walk in Safa Park followed by a simple breakfast dates, black coffee, and warm toast. She then journals for 15 minutes, often scribbling down ideas or quotes that may later become part of her work.

8:00 AM – Studio Time Begins

Leila’s studio is tucked inside Alserkal Avenue, one of Dubai’s leading art districts. The studio is modest but full of personality walls splattered with color, mood boards, half-finished canvases, and eclectic music playing in the background.

She begins by reviewing her goals for the day. “I usually work on two to three projects at a time some for galleries, others for private collectors,” she explains. On this day, she is preparing for an upcoming exhibition that blends modern calligraphy with abstract expressionism.

With paintbrush in hand and classical Arabic music softly playing, she dives into work. Her hands move quickly, confidently—each stroke telling a story rooted in both tradition and modernity.

After three hours of painting, it’s time for a short break. Leila steps out for a quick coffee at a nearby cafe, where other artists often gather.

She also uses this time to post updates on social media. “Instagram is more than just a portfolio—it’s how I connect with people,” she shares. She posts a short reel of her morning painting session with a caption about what the piece means to her. Engagement is important in today’s digital art world, and Leila dedicates at least an hour a day to community interaction.

1:00 PM – Business of Art

Art is passion, but it’s also business especially in a city like Dubai where the market is fast and global. Leila spends part of her afternoon responding to emails, coordinating with gallery managers, negotiating pricing, and shipping logistics.

“Many people think artists just paint, but a huge part of my job is managing everything else—deadlines, contracts, even packaging,” she says with a laugh. She also checks on her listings on several online art platforms that cater to international buyers.

2:30 PM – Client Meeting and Gallery Visit

In the afternoon, Leila has a meeting with a potential client an interior designer looking to commission a piece for a luxury villa in Palm Jumeirah. The two meet at a contemporary gallery in Downtown Dubai to review samples of Leila’s work and discuss concepts.

Leila’s ability to blend cultural heritage with modern techniques is what makes her a favorite among designers and collectors. “Dubai clients appreciate something unique but also connected to identity,” she notes.

4:00 PM – Back to the Studio

After her meeting, Leila returns to the studio for another focused session. This time, she works on digital sketches using her iPad. “Sometimes I like to plan my larger pieces digitally first. It helps me visualize the structure and palette before going to canvas.”

She also spends some time experimenting with textures and materials. One of her current fascinations is combining natural sand from Dubai’s deserts into her acrylics, adding a tactile connection to the land.

6:30 PM – Artist Circle and Community Talks

On many evenings, Leila joins a group of local artists for what they call “open circle” a casual gathering to share ideas, critique work, and explore new collaborations. These take place at art cafes, rooftops, or even on Zoom calls when someone is traveling.

Leila believes this community is essential for artistic growth. “Being an artist in Dubai can feel isolated if you don’t make the effort to connect. We all support each other emotionally and professionally.”

8:00 PM – Winding Down

As night falls, Leila heads home to spend time with her family. Dinner is a quiet affair, and she often reflects on the day. Sometimes she’ll do light sketching or read art books before bed. Her nights end with gratitude journaling a habit that keeps her grounded in both success and struggle.

The Life Behind the Canvas

Spending a day with Leila shows that a day in the life of a local Dubai artist is a rich blend of creativity, discipline, networking, and self-care. It’s not all glamour or gallery openings it’s early mornings, hard work, strategic planning, and a constant effort to stay inspired.

Leila, like many others in Dubai’s art community, is part of a cultural wave that’s reshaping the city’s identity. “We are not just painting pictures,” she says. “We are building a legacy, one brushstroke at a time.”

Final Thoughts

Dubai is more than its skyscrapers and luxury brands it’s a place where art and culture are quietly flourishing. And at the heart of it are passionate individuals like Leila who bring beauty, depth, and soul to the city.

If you ever find yourself wandering the galleries of Alserkal Avenue or scrolling through your Instagram feed, take a moment to appreciate the artists behind the visuals. Their day may start early and end late, but every moment is a step toward something timeless.