Quick answer
Hang art out of direct sun and away from AC vents, frame with UV glazing and acid-free materials, keep homes cooled (not off) in summer, and use sealed backs and spacers in coastal or humid rooms.
Dubai is hard on artwork in ways that surprise people moving from milder climates. Here are the five main risks and what to do about each.
1. Sunlight
UV and visible light fade inks and yellow paper. Even “indirect” light through floor-to-ceiling glass is intense.
- Never hang works on paper in direct sun
- Use UV-filtering glazing on anything you care about
- Consider UV window film on large west-facing windows
- Rotate special pieces into dimmer rooms occasionally
2. Air-conditioning swings
Cold, dry air from AC vents makes paper and canvas contract, then expand again when humidity returns. Over time this causes rippling (cockling), flaking paint and loose canvas.
- Keep art out of the direct stream of AC outlets
- Avoid hanging above radiators, TVs or lamps that run hot
3. Summer shut-downs
Homes left sealed and switched off for the summer can become hot and humid enough for mould to grow on paper and mount board. If you travel, leave AC running at a moderate setting.
4. Coastal humidity
Palm Jumeirah, Marina and JBR homes see more salt and moisture. Choose sealed frames with an archival dust cover, use spacers so art never touches glazing, and prefer metal or aluminium mouldings in exposed rooms.
5. Dust
Fine desert dust gets into poorly sealed frames and settles on the art. A taped, sealed back — standard in conservation framing — keeps it out.
A quick checklist for new frames
- Acid-free, lignin-free mount and backing
- UV-filtering glazing (museum glass ideally)
- Reversible hinges, no tape or glue on originals
- Sealed back with a dust cover
- Correct fixings for your wall type
Everything in more detail in our picture framing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best place to hang art in a Dubai apartment?
An interior wall that doesn’t get direct sun at any time of day, away from AC vents, kitchens and bathrooms.
Can I store art in a storage unit over summer?
Only in a climate-controlled unit. Non-air-conditioned storage in the UAE gets hot enough to damage paper, photographs and paint.
How do I know if my art has mould?
Look for small brown or grey spots (foxing) or a fuzzy bloom on the surface. Take it to a framer or conservator promptly — don’t wipe it.