The Arts Club Dubai represents a prestigious symbol of when rich tradition and ambitious modernity perfectly combine. Officially unveiled in 2020 in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, it became the first private members’ club to open in the Middle East and marked the first and eagerly awaited international expansion of the iconic London institution that shares its name.
Set over 65,000 opulent square feet, on five dedicated floors, it houses three restaurants, five lounges, a rooftop terrace, a library, and permanent art spaces. It immediately established itself as one of the most exclusive locations in the city, very much like its London parent.
Prestige Roots
The Arts Club in Mayfair, London, established in 1863 by literary luminaries including Charles Dickens and Anthony Trollope, has long been a sanctuary for intellectuals and creatives. Over the decades, the original club has been a meeting ground for the likes of James Whistler, Auguste Rodin and Rudyard Kipling and today its membership continues to include a diverse array of wealthy practitioners of all forms of art, from musicians and writers to scientists and entrepreneurs.
Whilst many of its rival private members’ clubs in the city have taken earlier opportunities for international expansion, it reflects the prestige and exclusivity of the Arts Club that it has waited patiently before selectively unveiling its Dubai base.
A Visionary Expansion
Situated in the prestigious DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), The Arts Club Dubai has been meticulously designed within the Foster and Partners architectural masterpiece, ICD Brookfield Place. This expansion into the breathtaking and sublimely wealthy city of Dubai is indicative of the club's commitment to harnessing a selective global community of discerning creatives, providing them with a platform to exchange ideas and celebrate the arts in this most cosmopolitan of settings.
Architectural Elegance and Interior Design
The interior design of The Arts Club Dubai borrows a great deal of its inspiration from its famous parent, with a harmonious blend of classic London townhouse aesthetics and contemporary flair. Collaborating with Milan-based design studio Dimorestudio, the club's interiors feature rich colours, elegant furnishings, and marble floors, creating an ambiance that is both luxuriant and inviting, providing a comfortable home from home that many of its members seek.
Culinary Excellence
The Arts Club Dubai's culinary offerings and fine drinks options are as refined as its membership, with a rich selection of bars and restaurants that oozes exclusivity.
Oscuro Kitchen
The rooftop kitchen is without doubt one of the stars of this private members' club. A changing menu brings an array of global cuisine, with the rich flavours of Mexico currently wafting through the skyline of Dubai. Diligently selected drinks and cocktails are expertly made and served to complement the food, presenting the tantalising prospect of ambitious mixology to match whatever national cuisine is on the menu that evening.
Ofelia
Ofelia Chef Alessandro Stefani’s reimagined take on Italian classics holds centre-stage in this bustling dining space.
The Brasserie
For a more light and fresh bite to eat, Executive Head Chef Mussie Imnetu crafts a supreme ever-changing, seasonal menu, in the bright Brasserie, with inspiration taken from the Mediterranean and beyond.
Rōhen
Chef Michael Hoepfl and his team dazzle with flamboyance and theatre with breathtaking cooking techniques and equally incredible food in the Rōhen dining space, making it worth a visit for the theatre alone.
Oscuro Bar
Located on the fifth floor, this Cuban-inspired bar offers an intimate and laid-back space, perfect for members to unwind from the Dubai heat. The bar is home to an enviable collection of sought-after cigars, distinctive spirits and fine wines.
Varied Cultural Programme
In keeping with the club’s ethos, The Arts Club Dubai places a strong emphasis on the arts and culture. The programme includes art exhibitions, panel discussions featuring high-profile guests from film-makers to scientists, as well as live music, all harnessing an environment where members engage with contemporary art and thought-provoking discourse. The club's art collection features both regional and international artists and is complemented by temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
Membership and Community
The Arts Club Dubai welcomes prospective members to “join a community of discerning thinkers and thought leaders” and be part of this truly exclusive venue shared with its London heartland, which provides a cultural bridge between East and West.
Membership is open to individuals over the age of 30 (although options are available for younger people), with annual subscriptions starting at AED 18,900 (£3,900), together with an assessment fee of AED 15,750 (£3,200). The club also offers memberships for partners. Members gain full access to the club's facilities and events, including reciprocal privileges at The Arts Club London, fostering a transcontinental network of creatives and professionals.
The Arts Club Dubai represents perhaps the perfect example of how to successfully adapt a historic institution, steeped in heritage, into a very different contemporary environment. By maintaining its commitment to the arts and intellectual exchange and fully embracing the energy and infinite ambition of Dubai, the club offers a distinctive ecosystem where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
