Born in 1955 in the United Arab Emirates, Abdelrahim Salem is one of the first contributors to the fine arts movement in the UAE. He obtained a bachelor's degree in sculpture from the College of Fine Arts at Cairo University in 1981. His sculptural and pictorial works reflect an interest in abstract and figurative forms, depicting his long-standing engagement with Emirati culture and the history of the Arabian Gulf.
Salem has held numerous solo exhibitions, including "Between Noise and Serenity," at the Cultural Complex, Abu Dhabi (2021); "Colored Rhythm," at Hunna Gallery, Dubai (2019); a live performance at the 38th Paris International Book Fair under the patronage and presence of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah (2018).
He has also participated in several group exhibitions, including the Sharjah International Biennial (2023); the Emirates Fine Arts Society Exhibition, Dubai (2023); "Journey of Color," at the University of Sharjah (2022); "Women: A Source of Color and Light," at the Emirates Fine Arts Society, Dubai (2022). He also participated in the 56th Venice Biennale, Italy (2015).
Salem has received several awards, including the State Honor Award for Fine Arts from the United Arab Emirates (2008), third prize in the environmental arts competition on the second Environment Day, the Golden Dhow Award at the annual exhibition in Kuwait on the National Day of the country (1999), the Silver Award at the 6th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh (1993), and first prize at the first Sharjah Biennial (1993).