As the sun sets over Dubai’s Marina, casting a golden glow on the city’s iconic skyline, a stark contrast unfolds. While the emirate gears up for its annual art fair, just a stone’s throw away, the echoes of conflict reverberate from Yemen’s shores. This year, Dubai’s art scene finds itself in an unusual spotlight, as the global art community grapples with the question: how does one celebrate creativity amidst regional strife?

Dubai Art Fair, one of the world’s most prestigious art events, kicked off this week, attracting over 90 galleries from 23 countries. Among them, Malta’s own Madina, showcasing works by local artist Raphael Mamo. Yet, the fair’s usual buzz is tempered by the sobering reality of the war in Yemen, just a few hundred miles away.

“It’s surreal,” says Madina’s gallery director, Maria Attard, “Here we are, celebrating art and culture, while just a short flight away, people are suffering unimaginably.”

Art fairs like Dubai’s are typically seen as unifiers, bringing together diverse cultures under one roof. But this year, the fair finds itself in a delicate position. Some argue that it’s business as usual, a chance to promote cultural exchange and diplomacy. Others question the appropriateness of such extravagance so close to a war zone.

“It’s a complex issue,” says Dubai-based art critic, Sarah Al-Abdulmalik. “Art can transcend borders and bring people together, but it can also highlight disparities and inequalities. This fair is a stark reminder of the stark realities just beyond our borders.”

Malta, with its strategic location and history as a cultural crossroads, has a unique role to play. As a member of the European Union, Malta can use its platform to advocate for peace and humanitarian aid in the region. Maltese artists can use their art to raise awareness about the conflict, fostering empathy and understanding.

Raphael Mamo’s exhibition at Dubai Art Fair, titled “Echoes of Exile,” is a poignant reminder of this. The series of paintings depict the plight of refugees, a timely reminder of the human cost of conflict.

“Art has the power to challenge our perceptions and spark conversation,” Mamo says. “In Malta, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of migration. It’s our duty to use our art to raise awareness and advocate for peace.”