If you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE and searching for something different to put on your walls, Tinga Tinga paintings from Tanzania might be exactly what you didn't know you needed.
These aren't the bland hotel art pieces you see in every Marina apartment. Tinga Tinga is vibrant, storytelling African art that actually makes people stop and look. Think bright colors, animals with personality, and patterns that catch light beautifully in UAE's abundant sunshine.
Tinga Tinga art started in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in the 1960s when Edward Saidi Tingatinga started painting on Masonite boards with bicycle paint. He created a style that's immediately recognizable: bold outlines, saturated colors, and African wildlife painted with almost cartoonish charm but sophisticated composition.
The colors are what hit you first. Deep blues, bright yellows, rich reds—the kind of saturation that works incredibly well in modern UAE homes where natural light is strong. These paintings don't fade into beige walls; they command attention.
Each painting tells a story. A giraffe isn't just standing there—it's interacting with birds, surrounded by patterns that reference Tanzanian landscapes. Elephants form family groups. Leopards hunt. The baobab tree appears as both setting and symbol. It's African folklore translated into visual art.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become genuinely international cities. Walk through Downtown Dubai or Yas Island and you'll hear a dozen languages in five minutes. The UAE's interior design scene reflects this—people here are done with generic Ikea prints and mass-produced canvas art from Carrefour.
African art, particularly Tinga Tinga, offers something most art doesn't: immediate visual impact plus cultural depth. When guests ask about the painting in your majlis or living room, you have a real story to tell—about Tanzanian artists, about traditional techniques adapted to modern canvas, about the symbolism in African animal imagery.
The practicality matters too. UAE homes trend toward clean, modern aesthetics with white or neutral walls. Tinga Tinga paintings provide that pop of color interior designers charge thousands to "add personality" to a space. One well-chosen piece above your sofa does more than an entire wall of generic prints.
There's an interesting parallel between traditional art of UAE and African art traditions. Both cultures have deep histories of decorative patterns, both use art to preserve cultural stories, and both value craftsmanship over mass production.
Traditional UAE art includes intricate geometric patterns in architecture, calligraphy as visual art, and decorative metalwork. Tinga Tinga brings similar dedication to pattern work—look closely at any painting and you'll see the negative space filled with dots, spirals, or geometric designs. It's not random decoration; it's intentional craft.
The UAE's position as a global cultural hub means art diversity isn't just accepted—it's expected. Having authentic African art in your home or office isn't "exotic"; it's being culturally aware and supporting traditional artforms that deserve recognition.
For Modern Apartments (Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi's Reem Island): The clean lines and neutral palettes in most modern UAE apartments are perfect backdrops for Tinga Tinga. A large canvas (90cm x 90cm or bigger) becomes an instant focal point. The bright colors work especially well against white walls—no additional decor needed.
For Villas (Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah, Al Reef): Larger spaces can handle bigger statements. Consider a set of three related paintings for a feature wall, or a single oversized piece for your main living area. The high ceilings in UAE villas give you vertical space to work with—don't waste it on small art.
For Offices (Business Bay, DIFC, Abu Dhabi's business districts): Tinga Tinga works surprisingly well in professional settings. The subject matter is approachable (who doesn't like elephants?), the colors are energizing without being aggressive, and it signals cultural awareness. Better than another motivational quote poster.
Color Considerations: UAE's natural light is intense. Tinga Tinga's saturated colors hold up beautifully under strong sunlight—they won't fade to pastels like some watercolors or cheaper prints. The glossy finish on many pieces actually reflects light in interesting ways throughout the day.
Every animal in Tinga Tinga carries meaning, which adds layers to what might initially seem like straightforward wildlife paintings.
Elephants represent wisdom, family bonds, and strength. In African culture, elephants are deeply respected for their memory and social structures. A Tinga Tinga elephant painting isn't just decoration—it's a statement about values.
Lions symbolize courage and leadership, but Tinga Tinga often depicts them in family groups or at rest, showing the full picture of these animals beyond just "king of the jungle" stereotypes.
Giraffes represent grace and the ability to see far ahead—literally and metaphorically. Their long necks mean they spot danger or opportunity before others.
Crocodiles carry complex symbolism—they're survivors (living in water and land), patient hunters, and in some African traditions, spiritual guides between worlds.
Birds (peacocks, hornbills, flamingos) represent freedom, beauty, and in many African stories, they're messengers or storytellers themselves.
The Baobab Tree appears in countless Tinga Tinga paintings. Called the "tree of life," it can live for thousands of years, provides food and shelter, and features prominently in African folklore. Its distinctive upside-down appearance makes it instantly recognizable.
Understanding these symbols transforms how you view the art. You're not just buying a painting of zebras—you're buying a piece about community and identity (zebra stripes being unique to each animal, like human fingerprints).
Edward Saidi Tingatinga died in 1972 at just 40 years old, but his artistic legacy defined an entire movement. He started with bicycle paint on Masonite because that's what was available. The style he developed—bold, colorful, accessible—spread through Dar es Salaam and eventually the world.
After his death, other artists formed the Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society to preserve and continue the tradition. This matters because Tinga Tinga isn't one artist's work—it's a living tradition with dozens of trained artists, each bringing their own voice while respecting the foundational style.
When you buy authentic Tinga Tinga art, you're supporting this cooperative system. The artists are primarily based in Tanzania (particularly Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar), and many learned the craft through family apprenticeships or direct training within the cooperative.
This is traditional African art that's still being created, still evolving, still supporting artists and their families. Not museum pieces or reproductions—active, contemporary traditional art.
African art encompasses massive diversity—the continent has 54 countries and thousands of distinct cultural groups. Some major forms:
Wooden sculpture and carvings: Perhaps what most people think of as "African art." Masks, figurines, decorative items carved from various African hardwoods.
Textile arts: Kente cloth from Ghana, mud cloth from Mali, Kitenge fabrics from East Africa. Pattern-based, often geometric.
Beadwork: Maasai jewelry from Kenya and Tanzania, Zulu beadwork from South Africa. Intricate, colorful, wearable art.
Metal art: Bronze castings from Benin, copper work from various regions, decorative metalwork.
Contemporary African art: Modern artists working in any medium, often addressing current issues while referencing traditional forms.
Painting traditions: Various regional styles, including Tinga Tinga.
Tinga Tinga fits into African art painting traditions but stands out for its accessibility. You don't need art history knowledge to appreciate it. The subjects are recognizable, the colors are appealing, the stories are present but not prescriptive. It's sophisticated enough for serious collectors but approachable enough for anyone furnishing their first home.
For UAE buyers specifically, paintings are practical. Wooden sculptures raise questions about shipping and display. Textiles are beautiful but not always practical for humid coastal climates. Paintings hang on walls, ship relatively easily, and suit modern interiors.
Here's the situation: you won't find authentic Tinga Tinga in Dubai malls. Occasionally a furniture store will have mass-produced "African-style" prints, but they're not the real thing—usually digital reproductions printed in China with zero connection to actual African artists.
TingaTingaArt.com ships directly to the UAE. We work with artists in Tanzania and handle international shipping regularly. Your painting comes from Dar es Salaam to your door in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the Emirates.
Shipping to UAE: We use Aramex for UAE deliveries. Shipping time is typically 7-10 business days from order to arrival. The paintings are packed properly—wrapped in protective materials, then boxed with corner reinforcements. We've shipped hundreds of paintings internationally; they arrive intact.
Customs and Duties: Art imports to the UAE are straightforward. Paintings are classified as artwork, and the customs process is usually quick. Any applicable duties or taxes are minimal and handled during the standard Aramex delivery process.
Pricing: Prices depend on size and complexity. Small paintings (30cm x 30cm) start around $50-80 USD. Large statement pieces (90cm x 120cm) can go $300-500 USD. You're paying for hand-painted work from trained artists using traditional techniques—not mass production.
This is significantly less than you'd pay for comparable original art from Dubai galleries, where markup and rent push prices higher.
The term "authentic African decorations" gets searched frequently, and for good reason—there's a lot of fake African art out there. Here's how to know you're getting authentic Tinga Tinga:
Brush strokes are visible. These are hand-painted, not printed. Look closely at photos—you should see texture, slight variations in color application, the evidence of a brush.
Signatures matter. Real Tinga Tinga artists sign their work. The signature might be on the front or back, but it exists.
Provenance information. Legitimate sellers can tell you where the painting came from, which artist made it, where they're based. If this information isn't available, be suspicious.
Price reality check. A genuine hand-painted Tinga Tinga can't cost 50 dirhams. If the price seems impossibly low, it's probably a print.
The Masonite vs. canvas distinction. Traditional Tinga Tinga was on Masonite boards. Modern artists often use canvas for practical reasons (lighter, easier to ship), but both are authentic. What's NOT authentic is anything printed.
At TingaTingaArt.com, every piece is genuinely hand-painted by artists in Tanzania. We can provide artist information, photos of the actual painting you're buying (not stock images), and documentation of authenticity.
While we specialize in Tinga Tinga paintings, understanding the broader context of African art forms helps appreciate what makes these paintings special:
Sculpture has been central to African art for millennia. From ancient Benin bronzes to contemporary wood carving, three-dimensional art carries significant cultural weight. Masks aren't decorations—they're ceremonial objects with spiritual significance.
Body art including scarification, painting, and elaborate hairstyles functions as art in many African cultures. The Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania (same region as Tinga Tinga) are known for distinctive beaded jewelry and body adornment.
Architecture itself becomes art—from the mud mosques of Mali to the painted houses of Ethiopia, buildings carry aesthetic and cultural meaning.
Performance art through dance, music, and theater often incorporates visual elements like costumes and props that are artworks themselves.
Tinga Tinga painting emerged from this broader context. It's not trying to be "fine art" in the Western sense—it's storytelling art, decorative art, art meant to be seen and enjoyed rather than analyzed in silence. That's part of its charm.
Tinga Tinga originated in Tanzania but the style has spread throughout East Africa, particularly Kenya. The artistic traditions of both countries share common threads:
Maasai beadwork from both Kenya and Tanzania uses color coding—different colors represent different concepts (red for bravery, blue for sky/God, green for land). Tinga Tinga paintings often incorporate similar bold color use with symbolic meaning.
Makonde carvings from southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique feature intricate wooden sculptures. Some contemporary Tinga Tinga artists incorporate Makonde-inspired patterns into their paintings.
Coastal influences from Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Mombasa (Kenya) bring Arabic and Indian Ocean trade route aesthetics—you'll sometimes see these influences in more ornate Tinga Tinga pieces.
The point: Tinga Tinga didn't emerge in isolation. It's part of a rich East African artistic tradition that spans multiple media and centuries. What Edward Tingatinga did was create a painting style that captured this heritage in an accessible, marketable form.
For UAE buyers, this regional context adds value. You're not just buying "African art" as a generic category—you're buying East African art with specific cultural roots and ongoing traditions.
UAE's climate presents specific challenges: heat, humidity (especially coastal areas), and intense sunlight.
Display location: Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays will fade any painting over time. That east-facing wall in your bedroom that gets morning sun? Pick a different spot. The gallery wall in your hallway? Perfect.
Humidity concerns: Coastal UAE (Dubai Marina, JBR, Corniche areas) has humidity that can affect art. Tinga Tinga paintings on canvas with proper sealing handle this better than Masonite boards. If you're in a humid area, ensure your AC runs regularly—it controls humidity as much as temperature.
Cleaning: Dust with a soft, dry cloth occasionally. Don't use water or cleaning products. If you need deep cleaning (unlikely), consult an art professional in Dubai.
Framing: Some buyers prefer to frame their Tinga Tinga paintings. Any framing shop in Dubai can handle this—DIFC area and Al Quoz have several professional art framers. Mention that UV-protective glass is worth the extra cost for long-term preservation.
Temperature: Your painting is fine at normal AC temperatures (22-24°C). Avoid storing in hot areas like garage storage or cars (obviously).
Basically: treat it like any quality art piece. Don't be precious about it, but don't be careless either.
If you're furnishing a new apartment in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai: Start with one medium-to-large piece (60cm x 60cm minimum) for your main living area. Let it be the color anchor for the room. These apartments are usually all white/grey/beige—one bold painting changes everything.
If you have a villa in Abu Dhabi or Dubai: Think bigger. A statement piece (90cm x 120cm or larger) for your main majlis or living room. Consider a set of two or three related paintings (same artist, complementary subjects) for a feature wall.
If you're decorating an office in Business Bay or DIFC: Animals are safe subjects for professional spaces—nobody's offended by elephants. Choose pieces with more sophisticated color palettes (blues, greens, earth tones) rather than the most vibrant reds and yellows. Size should be proportional to your wall space; don't go tiny in a large office.
If you're buying a gift: Tinga Tinga makes excellent gifts for people moving to new homes, returning expats (taking UAE memories back home), or anyone who appreciates handcrafted items. The cultural story behind the art adds meaning to the gift.
If you're starting to collect art: Tinga Tinga is an excellent entry point into African art collecting. Prices are accessible, the art is enjoyable to live with, and you can learn about African culture through the symbolism and stories. As you learn more, you might expand into other African art forms.
There are many types of African art. Why focus on Tinga Tinga?
Living tradition: These artists are working now. Your purchase directly supports them and their families in Tanzania. It's not buying from a middleman who bought from a middleman—the connection to the artist is direct.
Cultural preservation: The Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society actively trains new artists in traditional techniques. Supporting the art supports the transmission of this cultural knowledge.
Accessibility: Tinga Tinga is genuinely beautiful and enjoyable without requiring art expertise. You can appreciate it immediately while learning more over time.
Story value: Every painting has a story—the animal symbolism, the artist's perspective, the tradition behind the style. Your art becomes a conversation piece, not just decoration.
Practical aesthetics: It simply works in modern homes. The colors are bold enough to stand out but balanced enough not to clash. The subject matter is universal (everyone recognizes elephants and lions) but distinctly African in style.
From a UAE perspective, Tinga Tinga bridges cultural awareness with practical interior design. You're not performatively buying "exotic" art—you're buying quality, handcrafted pieces that happen to come from Tanzania.
While we focus on African art, it's worth noting the UAE exists within a broader Gulf art scene. Qatar has invested heavily in art through museums and galleries. Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene is growing rapidly. Bahrain and Kuwait have established art traditions and active artist communities. Oman's art often reflects its unique historical position.
Art diversity in UAE means all of this coexists. Walk through Alserkal Avenue in Dubai's Al Quoz and you'll see Emirati contemporary art next to international galleries, traditional calligraphy alongside modern installations. The city embraces artistic diversity.
Adding African art to this mix isn't random—it reflects Dubai and Abu Dhabi's position as global cities with residents from everywhere. Your neighbor might be from Kerala, your colleague from London, your friend from São Paulo. Why shouldn't your art reflect global culture too?
Browse the collection at TingaTingaArt.com. We organize paintings by subject (elephants, giraffes, mixed animals, etc.) and size.
Select your painting. Each listing shows the actual painting you'll receive—we photograph each piece individually. No stock images.
Checkout is straightforward. Add your UAE delivery address. We handle international shipping regularly; the process is smooth.
Payment is processed securely. We accept major credit cards and PayPal.
Shipping notification: Once your painting ships (usually within 2-3 business days of order), you'll receive tracking information for your Aramex delivery.
Delivery: Aramex will deliver to your UAE address. You'll receive the standard Aramex tracking updates and delivery notifications.
Questions? Contact us before or after ordering. We're responsive and can provide additional photos, dimensions, or any other information you need.
The entire process from browsing to delivery typically takes under two weeks. Most of that time is shipping—the actual ordering takes minutes.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are full of expensive, generic art. Walk through any furniture showroom and you'll see the same beige abstract prints, the same "inspirational quote" canvases, the same mass-produced hotel art. It all blurs together.
Tinga Tinga paintings stand out because they're genuine. An actual artist in Tanzania painted yours by hand. It carries cultural meaning and artistic tradition. When you hang it on your wall, you're not just filling space—you're making a choice about what surrounds you daily.
For those of us living in UAE—whether you're Emirati, a long-term expat, or recently arrived—our homes should reflect who we are and what we value. If you value craftsmanship, cultural appreciation, and visual beauty, Tinga Tinga delivers all three.
The UAE's openness to global culture is one of its best features. Taking advantage of that to bring authentic African art into your home isn't about trends or being exotic—it's about recognizing quality art regardless of where it comes from.
Browse TingaTingaArt.com. Find a piece that speaks to you. We'll get it to your door in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the Emirates. It's that simple.
And when guests ask about that striking elephant painting in your living room, you'll have a real story to tell—not "I got it at the mall," but "It's Tinga Tinga art from Tanzania, hand-painted by artists continuing a 60-year tradition." That's worth putting on your wall.
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Centimeters (CM) |
Inches (IN) |
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50CM x 40CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 15 3/4 in |
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50CM x 50CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
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60CM x 60CM |
23 5/8 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
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70CM x 50CM |
27 9/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
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80CM x 60CM |
31 1/2 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
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100CM x 80CM |
39 3/8 in XÂ 31 1/2 in |
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140CM x 110CM |
55 1/8 in X 43 5/16 in |
