Ayyam Gallery
DubaiAyyam Gallery was founded in 2006 in Damascus by Khaled and Jouhayna Samawi; while the couple always collected, it was only upon their relocation to Syria in 2001 that they immersed themselves in the Contemporary Damascus art scene, and the idea to open a gallery was born.
Ayyam Gallery quickly established itself in the region and internationally with an identity that combined global promotion of Middle Eastern art via commercial activities and grassroots support for artists. Aid such as the Shabab Ayyam program for emerging artists, publications, educational programming, and several charity auctions.
The gallery is one of the leading commercial galleries specializing in a roster of Arab and Iranian artists. With the help of partner and cousin Hisham Samawi, the gallery was the first to move into a warehouse in Al Quoz, in the area now known as AlSerkal Avenue, at a time when it was not even zoned for commercial activity. They also had branches in Dubai’s financial district, Jeddah, Beirut, and London. In addition to raising the exposure of Middle Eastern art to a broader audience, the gallery has played a crucial role in preserving Syrian art during and post-conflict.
The Samawis relocated the gallery’s headquarters from Damascus to Dubai as well as 20-25 Syrian artists, their families, and some 22,000+ works of art from Damascus over three years. This move not only ensured the artist’s personal safety but also the freedom to work and the legacy of Syrian art.
Ayyam Gallery remains a family business. Khaled’s children have active roles in the company; it is now managed by Ead and Maya Samawi.
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