Introduction

Media executive and art collector Elie Khouri is advancing plans to give the Elie Khouri Art Foundation a lasting physical presence in Dubai. The organization, known as EKAF, will occupy a renovated villa in the seafront Jumeirah 1 district, offering a program of contemporary art exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public events. Johannesburg-based Counterspace, led by architect Sumayya Vally, has been selected to design the venue, with completion targeted for late 2028.

What Happened

Khouri described the foundation as a space open to everyone, intended to inspire dialogue and leave a lasting cultural contribution to Dubai and the wider UAE. He emphasized a desire to give back to a country that has supported him personally and professionally.

The architectural vision comes from Counterspace and its founder, Sumayya Vally, who gained international recognition as the youngest architect ever commissioned to design London’s Serpentine Pavilion in 2021. Vally has spoken about translating intimate domestic geometries into public-scale architecture, turning the memory of a house into the foundation of an institution.

Khouri’s collecting journey began with a single 2002 painting by Lebanese American artist Nabil Nahas titled “So Happy to See You.” Today, the collection includes work by more than 300 artists from Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In January 2026, the foundation named Caroline Louca as director. Louca brings experience as an art lawyer in Paris and Cairo, time with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority during the development of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum, and a role with Christie’s Middle East in Dubai.

Beyond the arts, Khouri is the French Lebanese former chief executive officer and current chairman of Omnicom Media for the Middle East and North Africa. He launched Vivium in 2017, a Dubai-based investment and development group active in real estate, hospitality, and design. Vivium has helped brands such as Cassina, Giorgetti, Kettal, Rimadesio, Ralph Lauren Home, and Boffi|De Padova expand across the region.

Why This Matters

The project signals a broader investment in Dubai’s cultural infrastructure. By converting an existing villa into a public art institution, EKAF aims to make contemporary art accessible while contributing to the city’s evolving architectural identity. Vally’s approach connects regional design traditions with new public functions, suggesting the venue could become a model for how private collections transition into public cultural spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elie Khouri Art Foundation will occupy a renovated villa in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1 neighborhood.
  • Counterspace, led by Sumayya Vally, is designing the permanent venue.
  • Completion is expected in late 2028.
  • The foundation’s collection spans more than 300 artists across four continents.
  • Caroline Louca was appointed director in January 2026.
  • Programming will emphasize exhibitions, education, and public engagement.

Conclusion

As Dubai continues to develop its reputation as a global arts destination, the Elie Khouri Art Foundation represents a significant step toward a permanent, publicly oriented contemporary art institution. With construction set to conclude in 2028 and leadership now in place, EKAF is positioned to shape cultural dialogue in the UAE for years to come.