Lebanese artist Wael Hamadeh has converted his Sharjah apartment into a creative open gallery where his artwork becomes an integral part of daily living. The apartment, located in the Tawoon area, serves as both residence and exhibition space, allowing Hamadeh to showcase his artistic vision in an immersive environment. With an annual rent of approximately 65,000 AED, the space provides an affordable alternative to Dubai's soaring real estate prices while offering proximity to essential art facilities. This innovative approach to living and working reflects a growing trend among artists in the United Arab Emirates seeking sustainable creative spaces that support their practice without financial strain.
The Tawoon area offers distinct advantages for creative professionals despite lacking luxury amenities like gyms or swimming pools commonly found in upscale developments. Hamadeh values the neighborhood's accessibility to supermarkets, schools, and healthcare facilities, which support his family's daily needs and provide convenience. The location provides affordable resources for art projects and materials, crucial for an artist managing production costs while maintaining creative output. While the building may not feature high-end facilities, its practical conveniences and reasonable pricing make it an attractive base for creative work and family life.
Hamadeh plans to remain in the apartment until his children complete their university education, demonstrating long-term commitment to the space and surrounding community. This stability allows him to develop his artistic practice without the disruption of frequent relocations that many expatriates face in the UAE. The extended timeline also enables him to build deeper connections within Sharjah's emerging art scene and establish his open gallery concept more firmly in the local cultural landscape. His decision reflects strategic planning around family priorities and career development in a region known for its transient population.
The artist describes the multicultural environment as "somewhat friendly, but it doesn't feel like home," capturing the complex experience of expatriate life in the UAE. This sentiment resonates with many creative professionals who navigate between cultural adaptation and preserving their authentic identity in a diverse society. The varied community brings different perspectives that can influence his work while presenting challenges in establishing deep roots and connections. Hamadeh's openness about this tension adds nuance to discussions about artist communities in rapidly globalizing cities and the emotional complexities of living abroad.
Transforming a residential space into a gallery requires careful curation and spatial planning that balances living needs with exhibition requirements. Hamadeh's approach involves integrating artwork seamlessly with living areas, creating an environment where creativity permeates everyday activities and domestic routines. This model challenges traditional boundaries between private and public artistic spaces, offering visitors an intimate view of the creative process and artistic lifestyle. The open gallery concept also facilitates spontaneous art discussions and community engagement that might not occur in formal museum settings.
Sharjah's reputation as a cultural hub in the UAE makes it an ideal location for such experimental living-working spaces and alternative art venues. The emirate's investment in museums, art institutions, and creative districts provides infrastructure for artists like Hamadeh to thrive professionally. As Dubai becomes increasingly expensive for artists and cultural workers, Sharjah offers a viable alternative for practitioners seeking affordability without sacrificing professional opportunities. Hamadeh's story exemplifies how artists adapt to urban realities while maintaining their creative integrity and building sustainable practices in the Gulf region.
