The news was announced by Alserkal Avenue, the arts and culture district in Al Quoz, Dubai, where Concrete is located, and which conceptualized the new venue. The multi-purpose event space is designed to host large-scale art exhibitions as well as fashion and film events, among others.

The venue’s inaugural exhibition, “Syria: Into the Light,” will open on March 9 and will showcase works from the Atassi Foundation, a non-profit initiative founded specifically to celebrate Syrian art. The show will feature works by artists including Toufiq Tarek, Fateh Moudarres, Youssef Abdelke and Omran Younes; a program of talks, film screenings and commissions is also planned.

OMA, founded by Pritkzer Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas, designed Concrete as an adaptable venue with multiple configurations such that it can host a variety of events. The 600-square-meter space features double-height ceilings, movable walls that rotate or slide and a translucent front facade with sliding doors that can create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Alserkal Avenue has been raising its profile in recent years; established in 2007, it added a programming arm in 2015 that works with regional artists to produce events for local, regional and international audiences. An artist residency is expected to launch next year.

Concrete’s opening will come just ahead of Dubai Art Week, a week-long annual event that highlights the city’s art scene and runs next year from March 13 to 18.

“Syria: Into the Light” runs March 9 – April 3, 2017.