- A private aviation terminal became Dubai’s most surprising cultural gathering space
- Textured abstract works brought warmth to a discreet, high-security environment
- Over 250 guests experienced art far beyond traditional gallery walls
- The exhibition reimagined how creativity fits into ultra-exclusive everyday spaces
Dubai loves bold ideas, but this one landed somewhere entirely new. Inside the private terminal of ExecuJet Middle East at Al Maktoum International Airport, travelers and invited guests recently found themselves walking through a contemporary art exhibition instead of a departure lounge. It felt intimate. It felt unexpected. And it worked.
At the center of it all was Marjorie Raymond, whose richly layered abstract pieces transformed one of the UAE’s most discreet aviation spaces into a living gallery. Known for blending acrylic with natural and mineral textures, Raymond has spent more than two decades building a global following, with works held in prestigious private collections, including royal residences across the region. This was her first exhibition inside a private terminal anywhere in the UAE. That alone made headlines.
Dubai’s art scene has been shifting lately. Collectors and creatives are moving beyond white-wall galleries, favoring immersive experiences in unconventional venues. Think warehouses, rooftops, pop-ups, and now aviation terminals. It’s about proximity. It’s about presence. Art doesn’t wait politely in museums anymore.
More than 250 guests, from diplomats to collectors and cultural tastemakers, attended the invitation-only evening. The terminal, usually reserved for heads of state and ultra-high-net-worth travelers, became a space for conversation, reflection, and quiet admiration. One short moment stood out. Guests paused between flights and framed canvases, taking in textured blues, earthy neutrals, and mineral finishes that softened the room. Art slowed everyone down.
Each piece felt deliberate. Dining lounges became viewing corners. Waiting areas turned contemplative. Raymond shared that showing her work in a space not normally dedicated to art gave it new meaning, allowing people to encounter creativity in a setting that typically stays behind closed doors. That shift matters.
This exhibition wasn’t about spectacle. It was about placement. About proving that creativity belongs everywhere, even in high-security terminals. Especially there.
It also highlights a broader cultural movement in Dubai, where luxury spaces are increasingly doubling as cultural platforms. Hotels host installations. Airports host concerts. Private terminals host exhibitions. The city is rewriting where art lives.
And honestly, it makes sense. Dubai thrives on contrast.
This rare takeover proves that art doesn’t need traditional walls to feel powerful. Sometimes, it just needs the right room. Keep an eye on Marjorie Raymond’s upcoming projects, because if this exhibition showed anything, it’s that creativity travels beautifully!
