The Gulf is building one of the most strategically interesting residency landscapes anywhere right now. Not just because of new museums and biennials, but because residencies are where networks form, commissions start, and careers accelerate quietly.
I am Gottfried Eisenberger, founder of The Art Fair Guy, and I track GCC opportunities closely because residencies often unlock the next steps for artists: exhibitions, gallery connections, and fair visibility across the region.
Below is a practical overview of publicly documented artist residency programmes across the GCC. Where details vary by cycle, I point you to the official page and explain how to verify before you apply.
What this guide covers (and what it does not)
This is a curated list of active or recently active programmes with reliable public documentation. Smaller private initiatives come and go. If you run a GCC residency and want it included, reach out and I will verify and add it.
Quick snapshot by country
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Saudi Arabia: institutional programmes in Riyadh and AlUla, plus national initiatives for production and exchange
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UAE: the deepest residency ecosystem, especially across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah
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Qatar: strong museum linked programmes plus craft and research based tracks
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Bahrain: high quality government and independent programmes, including site based production
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Kuwait: fewer contemporary residencies, but meaningful institutional and craft led programmes
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Oman: artist run and foundation linked opportunities, plus Muscat based initiatives
Saudi Arabia artist residencies
Misk Art Institute: Misk Art Residencies and Masaha Residency (Riyadh)
Misk Art Institute runs residency formats designed to support production and professional development, including Masaha Residency.
How to verify: always confirm cycle dates and eligibility on the official residency pages before planning travel.
Arts AlUla: Artist Residency Programme (AlUla)
Arts AlUla positions its residency programme as a way for artists to develop work in dialogue with AlUla’s landscape, heritage, and community.
Best for: site responsive practices, research driven production, and artists who want regional visibility.
Intermix Residency (Riyadh, JAX District)
Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has announced multiple editions of Intermix Residency at JAX District, positioning it as a structured residency for production and exchange.
How to verify: use the Visual Arts Commission announcements and open call details for the latest edition and dates.
Ithra (Dhahran): artist and creative residencies
Ithra has residency style programmes such as Khoos and a Creative Solutions residency track. Official pages can be regionally restricted at times, so verify via Ithra announcements and direct contact if the programme page does not load.
UAE artist residencies
Cultural Foundation Art Residency Programme (Abu Dhabi)
A six month residency model built around studio access, professional development, and public facing outcomes like open studios.
421 Residency Program (Abu Dhabi)
421 runs a structured residency programme with clear cycles and studio based support at 421 Arts Campus.
Alserkal Arts Foundation: Residency and Research (Dubai)
Alserkal hosts residencies and research tracks within its cultural ecosystem at Alserkal Avenue.
Best for: research led practice, writing and curatorial research, and artists who benefit from a strong local community context.
Tashkeel (Dubai): residencies and development programmes
Tashkeel publishes residency information and also runs structured development programmes such as Tanween.
How to verify: use the residencies page for past and announced cycles, then check each open call page for eligibility and timelines.
Sharjah Art Foundation: Residency and Studio programmes (Sharjah)
Sharjah Art Foundation runs structured residency and studio based programmes, with open calls published by the foundation.
Ras Al Khaimah Art: Artist Residency Grants (Ras Al Khaimah)
Ras Al Khaimah Art publishes an Artist Residency Grants programme with clear expectations and a six month residency structure, including community engagement and an exhibition outcome.
Qatar artist residencies
Fire Station: Artist in Residence (Doha)
Fire Station is the flagship residency model under Qatar Museums, designed to support artists with studio practice and public programming.
Ruwad Residency (Doha)
Ruwad is presented as a residency opportunity within the Fire Station ecosystem. Confirm the current cycle and application route via Qatar Museums and Fire Station announcements.
Liwan: craft and design residencies (Doha)
Liwan promotes a Craft Residency model that supports makers and craft practitioners.
Mathaf: Akoje Residency (Doha)
Mathaf has published open calls for the Akoje Residency, designed as a structured research and practice opportunity.
Bahrain artist residencies
Studio 244 Artist in Residency (Arad Bay area)
A government linked programme designed to host established and emerging artists with studio space, public engagement, and workshops.
Al Riwaq Art Space: Residency Programme (Bahrain)
Al Riwaq has published residency calls and programme information, often tied to community engaged cultural programming.
The Art Station Residency Program (Muharraq)
The Art Station has announced an international residency format via official Bahrain media and established art channels. Always verify eligibility and nationality requirements per cycle.
Kuwait artist residencies
Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre: Artist in Residence (Kuwait City)
ASCC publishes an Artist in Residence programme (Arabic page). If you do not read Arabic, verify by emailing the centre and requesting the current English brief for the latest cycle.
AlSadu Society: Studio SADI (Kuwait)
A craft and textile focused residency model supporting creatives working with Sadu weaving heritage and contemporary applications.
Oman artist residencies
IN Art Space (Muscat)
An artist run residency platform in Muscat that welcomes multidisciplinary applicants and is also listed through international residency networks.
Bait Al Zubair International Residency Programme (Muscat)
A foundation linked residency programme that has been documented through mobility networks and cultural coverage. Because official programme details are not always easy to find on the foundation site, verify by contacting the foundation directly and requesting the current residency brief before applying.
Stal Gallery and Studio (Muscat)
Stal Gallery supports development programmes for emerging Omani artists and has hosted residency style initiatives documented in local coverage.
How to choose the right GCC residency
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Outcome type: studio production, research and writing, community engagement, teaching and workshops
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Local network: access to curators, institutions, galleries, and peer community
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Resources: studio size, equipment access, fabrication support, and budget clarity
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Time commitment: short intensives vs multi month cycles
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Public visibility: open studios, final exhibitions, talks, and press support
Application checklist (GCC specific)
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Portfolio that reads clearly on mobile and in PDF
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A proposal that connects to place, especially for AlUla, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and community based programmes
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A realistic production plan with clear deliverables
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A short bio that signals why the GCC context matters for your practice
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A verification step: confirm dates, location, and organiser details on the official page or by email if anything is unclear
The Art Fair Guy Consultancy
If you are an artist, I can help you shortlist the right GCC residencies, tighten your proposal, rebuild your portfolio narrative for MENA juries, and map a visibility plan that connects a residency to exhibitions and art fairs. More infromation about the art fair guy artist consultancy.
If you are an organiser or institution, I can help you design a residency that attracts stronger applicants, builds sponsor value, creates measurable public impact, and converts outcomes into programming, press, and long term community engagement. More information about our consultancy services for event organizers.
FAQ
Are GCC residencies only for GCC nationals?
No. Many programmes are open internationally, but some cycles prioritise local applicants or specific nationalities. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Do I need an invitation letter for visas?
Often yes. Most residencies that host international artists can issue support letters, but processes differ by country and programme. Verify with the organiser before booking travel.
What makes a GCC residency application stand out?
A clear project proposal, a strong portfolio sequence, and a thoughtful reason why the local context matters. Community engagement expectations are often explicit in programmes like Ras Al Khaimah and Studio 244.
Are there craft and design focused residencies in the GCC?
Yes. Examples include Liwan in Qatar and Studio SADI in Kuwait, plus design development tracks such as Tanween in Dubai.
How can I track new open calls without missing deadlines?
Use the opportunities pages of the institutions in this guide, and set alerts for key organisations. Sharjah Art Foundation also publishes monthly open call roundups.
