A refurbished art center is expected to open at Souq Waqif next week, local media reports have said.

The Waqif Art Center, which opened in 2008, was once home to several art galleries and shops, but closed suddenly last year when its rental contract was not renewed.

The Peninsula reports:

Art enthusiasts considering the art centre as one of the few places for art in the city centre feared it would be converted to another restaurant or coffee outlet, which are a lucrative business in the souq which as a top tourist destination in the country is being frequented by thousands of nationals, residents and tourists every day…

While the ground floor is dedicated to galleries which will not limit to regional artists and artwork but would showcase global talents as well, the first floor will be dedicated to art education offering courses on drawing, painting, calligraphy and sculpture among others.

Have you seen the “opening soon” sign at the center? Any thoughts?