JD Malat Gallery Dubai Launches ‘Made in the UAE’: A Groundbreaking Initiative to Spotlight Local Artistic Talent

In a bold move that reinforces his commitment to nurturing regional artistic talent, internationally acclaimed gallerist Jean-David Malat has announced the launch of “Made in the UAE,” an innovative open call initiative designed to discover and elevate the next generation of Emirati contemporary artists. The program, unveiled through JD Malat Gallery’s Downtown Dubai location, represents a significant investment in the UAE’s rapidly evolving creative ecosystem.

Opening Doors to Untapped Talent

The “Made in the UAE” initiative extends an invitation to emerging artists across the Emirates working in diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and video art. From this pool of submissions, five exceptional talents will be selected to showcase their work in a prestigious group exhibition scheduled for December 2025 at the gallery’s state-of-the-art Downtown Dubai space.

This comprehensive approach to medium inclusion reflects Malat’s understanding that contemporary artistic expression cannot be confined to traditional boundaries. By embracing multiple disciplines, the initiative acknowledges the fluid, interconnected nature of modern creative practice.

A Vision Beyond Geography

“This initiative builds on the momentum we’ve seen since launching the gallery in Dubai,” explains Jean-David Malat, whose expansion into the Middle East has already garnered significant attention in international art circles. “With Made in the UAE, we’re opening the door to artists working here on the ground, many of whom may not yet have had access to international platforms.”

The program represents more than just an exhibition opportunity—it’s a strategic investment in cultural development. Malat’s vision extends beyond mere commercial success to encompass genuine cultural exchange and artistic nurturing. “The aim is to deepen our connection to the region by actively investing in its creative ecosystem,” he adds, demonstrating the authentic relationship-building philosophy that has defined his career.

Celebrating Artistic Diversity

What sets “Made in the UAE” apart from traditional open calls is its explicit celebration of the region’s cultural complexity. Rather than seeking a homogeneous aesthetic, the initiative embraces the UAE’s unique position as a crossroads of cultures, traditions, and contemporary influences.

“There’s no single visual language or style here – it’s a place of layered histories, diverse voices, and evolving forms,” Malat observes. This perspective reflects his deep understanding of the UAE’s artistic landscape, which draws from Emirati heritage while incorporating influences from the dozens of nationalities that call the country home.

The initiative’s inclusive approach recognizes that the UAE’s artistic identity is still in formation, making this an particularly exciting time to discover and support emerging voices who will help define the region’s cultural future.

Rigorous Selection Process

To ensure the highest caliber of selection, “Made in the UAE” has assembled a distinguished jury comprising regional curators and international art world professionals. This carefully curated selection committee brings both local knowledge and global perspective to the review process, ensuring that chosen artists will resonate both within the UAE and on the international stage.

The committee will evaluate submissions based on several criteria: strength of visual language, innovation in approach to form and material, conceptual depth, and potential for future development. This multi-faceted evaluation process reflects Malat’s commitment to discovering artists who possess not just technical skill, but also the conceptual sophistication necessary for sustained artistic careers.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the most significant aspects of “Made in the UAE” is its potential to break down traditional barriers that often prevent emerging artists from accessing established gallery networks. Many talented artists working in the region have limited exposure to international art world platforms, despite producing work of exceptional quality.

By creating this direct pathway from local studios to international exhibition spaces, Malat is addressing a critical gap in the regional art ecosystem. The initiative provides emerging artists with not just exhibition opportunities, but also access to the gallery’s established international collector network and marketing expertise.

Contemporary Art as Conversation

Malat’s philosophical approach to contemporary art shines through in his description of the medium itself: “By welcoming multiple mediums, we acknowledge that contemporary art is not discipline-bound. It’s a conversation.” This perspective positions the gallery not merely as a commercial space, but as a forum for cultural dialogue and exchange.

The December exhibition will serve as more than just a showcase—it will function as a platform for cross-cultural conversation, bringing together diverse artistic voices under one roof and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between artists, collectors, and the broader public.

Strategic Timing and Cultural Context

The launch of “Made in the UAE” comes at a particularly opportune moment in the region’s cultural development. The UAE has been investing heavily in its creative industries, with major institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and numerous art fairs establishing the country as a regional cultural hub.

By launching this initiative now, Malat positions JD Malat Gallery as both a beneficiary of and contributor to this cultural momentum. The gallery becomes an active participant in the UAE’s artistic ecosystem rather than simply an observer or outside influence.

Building on International Success

The “Made in the UAE” initiative builds upon Malat’s proven track record of discovering and nurturing emerging talent. His London gallery has become renowned for spotting artists early in their careers—including his Instagram discovery of Henrik Uldalen—and providing them with platforms that launch sustainable international careers.

This expertise in talent identification and development gives participating artists access to more than just exhibition space. They gain entry to a network that includes celebrity collectors, international art fairs, and secondary market opportunities that can transform promising careers into established practices.

Looking Forward: A Cultural Legacy

As submissions for “Made in the UAE” begin rolling in, the initiative promises to uncover artistic voices that reflect the complexity and dynamism of contemporary Emirati culture. The December exhibition will serve as both a snapshot of current artistic production and a preview of the region’s cultural future.

For Jean-David Malat, the initiative represents another chapter in his ongoing commitment to authentic relationship-building within the art world. By investing in local talent and providing genuine opportunities for career development, he continues to demonstrate that successful art dealing requires more than market knowledge—it demands cultural engagement and community investment.

The “Made in the UAE” open call closes a new loop in Malat’s artistic journey, connecting his international experience with local cultural development. As five lucky artists prepare to step onto the international stage this December, they’ll carry with them not just their individual artistic visions, but also the broader story of the UAE’s emerging cultural identity.

In a world where authentic cultural exchange often gets lost in commercial considerations, “Made in the UAE” stands as a testament to the power of genuine investment in artistic communities. It promises to be more than just an exhibition—it will be a celebration of creative potential and a launching pad for the next generation of Emirati artistic voices.

Artists interested in submitting to “Made in the UAE” can find application details through JD Malat Gallery Dubai. The submission deadline and specific requirements will be announced through the gallery’s official channels.