Hisham Samawi first visited Dubai in 2002 while he was
studying for an MBA at Columbia University in New York. He returned to the city
to set up home in 2006, determined to pursue business opportunities there. His
first two years in Dubai were spent working in business development and
strategy for Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding. However, recognising an
opportunity to develop the region’s art scene, he left Tatweer to set up the
Ayyam Gallery, one of the region’s best-known arts organisations, with his
cousin Khaled.
The gallery first opened in Samawi’s home city of Damascus,
Syria, in 2008. However, in 2011, he moved the gallery from Damascus to Dubai
as the Arab Spring wreaked havoc across the Middle East. Remarkably, he also
managed to persuade 15 artists and their families to move to the UAE.
Ayyam Gallery has grown steadily over the years
to include two spaces in Dubai, one in Beirut and its latest on New Bond Street
in London. It represents many of the leading artists from around the Arab world
and Iran. In addition to hosting exhibitions, the gallery holds a series of
auctions called The Young Collectors Auction, and has a publishing house that
produces a wide range of artists’ books and catalogues. Recognising another
business opportunity, Samawi introduced one of his favourite New York eateries,
Clinton Street Baking Company, to Dubai, opening its first location at Burj
Views in 2014. The restaurant has established itself as Dubai’s go-to place for
all-day breakfast and high quality casual dining. Having signed the master
franchise for the MENA region, Samawi is looking to grow and develop the brand.
Follow us on
