An art show's return to Dubai is a sign of efforts to reinvigorate this city-state's social scene and economyDUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- It was a scene reminiscent of pre-pandemic Dubai: Art lovers dressed in designer clothes or alternative fashion, walking around in one of the city's many swanky locations. After being canceled in March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Art Dubai returned this week to the sunbaked desert metropolis it calls home, becoming one of the first in-person international art fairs of 2021. “Art Dubai was the first art fair to be canceled, just when the pandemic started" and now it's the first to be back live, said Pablo del Val, the show's artistic director. Art Dubai introduced a program allowing galleries unable to travel to Dubai to connect to visitors via video. “Taking part in this fair shows the determination of art to be part of bringing life back to normal, for people and humanity," al-Shashai said.

Source: ABC News April 01, 2021 06:00 UTC