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Courtyard

@courtyarduae

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An Oasis of Art and Culture since 1998
8am-7pm daily #shopbycourtyard

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Long before Dubai became known as a global hub for creativity and culture, architect Dariush Zandi saw something the city was missing: a place where creative minds could come together, exchange ideas and inspire one another.

What he was given wasn’t an ideal site. It was a flooded plot of land that many would have dismissed. Rather than seeing an obstacle, Zandi saw potential. Over the next several years, he transformed the space using reclaimed materials from across Dubai, preserving fragments of the city’s architectural heritage while creating something entirely new.

When it opened in 1998, it became far more than a building. It represented a new way of thinking about the city—one that valued culture, craftsmanship and community alongside growth and development. Its inauguration by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflected the significance of the vision behind the project.

Dariush Zandi’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful contributions don’t begin with perfect circumstances. They begin with imagination, persistence and the courage to build where others see limitations.

In the UAE, some of the greatest legacies have been created not from what people were given, but from what they chose to make of it.

Had you heard of Dariush Zandi’s story before? Let us know in the comments.

#Djournal by @courtyarduae

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3 months ago

THE HALL is a curated space within The Courtyard for people, objects, ideas and creative encounters.

A place where art, fashion, design, craft and conversation can meet naturally.

We are interested in independent voices, meaningful objects, shared experiences and the relationships that grow around them.

Through workshops, gatherings, selected objects, conversations and collaborations, THE HALL will keep changing while staying connected to the people who shape it.

THE HALL is a space for all of them.

Where space becomes moment. taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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12 days ago

Walking through the courtyard…

light & shadow, sound & movement come together all at once.

#courtyard #shadow #gallery #dubai #uae by @courtyarduae

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2 months ago

@dubaiculture
Every vision starts with imagination. Every achievement starts with action.
we are proud to contribute to a city where creativity flourishes, heritage is preserved and
celebrated, and culture inspires progress.
Together, we continue to turn ideas into lasting impact.
That’s what it means to Dubai-it.

#dubaiit #alquozcreative #creativezone #courtyarduae by @courtyarduae

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4 months ago

Plant Palette at Courtyard Garden🍃 by @courtyarduae

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4 months ago

The workbook
A for Architecture / C for Courtyard is now out.
Born from a series of workshops designed and led by @lucy_arttalks over many years of collaboration with @totalarts_courtyard
Drawing from past explorations toward new beginnings, the book is designed by @mozhdehgrayson
And here we celebrate it.
#courtyardworkshop #courtyardcommunity #totalartsatcourtyard taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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5 months ago

Moments from ‘What makes a nest?’
Thanks to all who joined :)
I’ve been wanting to do something that engages the hands in an unfamiliar way, when making becomes a way of thinking.
Everyone worked with what was found around, weaving, interlocking, trying things out. Some became bouquet nests, some came with balcony extensions 😁

This session came from thinking about design as something that emerges from context and material at hand, and how that connects to noticing other forms of life around us, as part of an ongoing exploration at @courtyarduae
(Process being documented at @the.field.around )

Hopefully, I’ll be placing these around the courtyard garden soon🤗
.
Photos by @jithinjain & @cjsrodel 🤍 by @courtyarduae

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5 months ago

🔶 Art Radar 🔶

The Courtyard Playhouse is a well-known performing arts venue located in Dubai.

It is especially famous for its focus on improvisational theatre and interactive performances.

@courtyardplayhouse
@courtyarduae

#art #house #play #cinama #dubai🇦🇪 taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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6 months ago

A weekend of making, learning, and being together.
The kids dove into mask-making inspired by African traditions, facilitated by @elenaspei and the afternoon brought us back to the land — exploring what makes a nest, as part of our ongoing botanical journey by @plantae.by.zia @the.field.around
Hands busy, hearts full. 🪴 With the Courtyard community. taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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6 months ago

‘What makes a nest?’
A hands-on session, as part of the Courtyard Landscape project, where we come together to make nests using natural materials found around us. The session explores what makes a nest, encouraging participants to think through simple connections and interlocks using found materials. It sits within a more-than-human approach, inviting attention to how birds and other beings build, adapt, and inhabit space.

About the Project

The Courtyard Landscape Project is an extension of Ziya Ismail’s ongoing research on native plants and ecosystems of the UAE. An architect and artist from India, based in the UAE, she has been engaging with the region’s native landscapes since 2021 through research, documentation, and artworks. The project takes a humble, experimental approach to creating a setting where local ecosystems can thrive.

Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Date: 25-04-2026
Venue: Courtyard, UAE

All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is needed. This is as new to me as it is to you, let’s come together and see what forms:)

RSVP through the link in bio: @the.field.around or @plantae.by.zia by @courtyarduae

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6 months ago

🔸 Art Radar 🔸

A hidden creative corner in Al Quoz where art, calm vibes, and inspiration come together.
A perfect escape from the city’s rush.

@courtyarduae

#art #artist #dubai #gallery #exhibition taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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6 months ago

Found a hidden gem in Dubai that feels like a whole different city. The Courtyard is pure creative energy - beautiful nooks, chill vibes, and then there’s Cassette. The food there? Absolutely next level. Think flavorful plates, cozy outdoor seating, and that perfect soundtrack in the background. Whether it’s their signature bowls or just a coffee break, Cassette turns a meal into a moment. If you wanna see Dubai beyond the skyscrapers, this is your spot. Highly recommend.

Нашёл в Дубае место, которое чувствуется совсем другим городом. The Courtyard - это творческая энергия: уютные уголки, расслабонные вайбы и, конечно, Cassette. А еда там? Просто и вкусно. Яркие тарелки, уличные сиденья под кофе и идеальный плейлист фоном. Хоть их фирменные боулы, хоть просто перерыв на капучино - Cassette превращает обед в маленькое событие. Хотите увидеть Дубай без небоскрёбов? Вам сюда. Очень рекомендую.

Location: @cassettedxb @courtyarduae
Content: @florancestankova @ego_management

#dubai #egorsharay #егоршарай #cassettedubai taken in Courtyard by @courtyarduae

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7 months ago