A three-part exhibition at 421 Arts Campus traces the evolution of the contemporary arts scene in the UAE; the Sharjah Art Foundation marks the opening of an exhibition venue dedicated to photography; and a pop-up show by Inloco Gallery showcases the human tension against impermanence. When it comes to the arts around the UAE, there is a lot to catch up on this weekend.

Solo exhibits include a sprawling survey of the works and practice of pioneering Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim and a landmark show of Kuwaiti-born Jordanian artist Ala Younis. There are also group exhibitions that confront the disruptive nature of borders and how photography can document upheavals – environmental and political.

Here are 20 exhibitions to see this week.