Lawrie Shabibi was founded in 2010 and opened its doors in early 2011 in Alserkal Avenue, located within the light industrial warehouse district of Al Quoz in Dubai. Following the relocation of several renowned galleries, this quickly became the hub of contemporary art in the region.

We support the long-term development of the careers of young international contemporary artists, with a focus on those from the Middle East and North Africa, and more recently diasporic artists within the UK. We have also organized art historical exhibitions, working with an older generation of artists from the Middle East and North Africa region. By holding a regular programme of exhibitions, screenings and talks, publishing catalogues and participating in international art fairs, in the space of nine years we have been a forerunner in the development of the contemporary art scene in Dubai.  We will soon open a London outpost in Cromwell Place.

Our two founders are Asmaa Al-Shabibi and William Lawrie. Asmaa was previously managing director of Art Dubai, the leading regional art fair. She instigated many initiatives and collaborations including the Abraaj Art Prize. William was the founding director of the Middle East contemporary art department at Christie’s, where he planned and oversaw the first nine auctions in Dubai.