Artists-in-Residence (A.i.R) Dubai brings together expertise and resources from arts organisations in the UAE and the UK to support international exchange through artistic research, production and residencies. A.i.R Dubai aims to contribute to the burgeoning local art scene in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and to promote international discourse and exposure in the UAE through open studios, educational activities and new commissions as part of Art Dubai Projects.

The first iteration of the project was House 44 in 2011. Iranian-Canadian artist Abbas Akhavan and Tobias Collier from the UK were selected to participate in an eight-week residency programme alongside Emirati artists Hind Bin Demaithan, Shaikha Al Mazrou, and Shamma Al Amri. While all artists were commissioned to create new works in response to Al Bastakiya (now known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood), Akhavan was additionally commissioned to create a site-specific piece for Art Dubai Projects, the fair's not-for-profit artistic programme. Images of the 2011 open studios were published online by Nafas Art Magazine.