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Over 25,000 visitors attend landmark edition at Madinat Jumeirah, as galleries report robust sales and Dubai cements its position as a global art hub
Dubai: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Art Dubai concluded its 20th anniversary edition to record public attendance and widespread acclaim.
Held from 14–17 May at Madinat Jumeirah, this special edition celebrated and honoured the artists, galleries, and institutions whose voices, ideas, and practices have contributed to two decades of unprecedented growth in the UAE’s creative industries. The event attracted over 25,000 visitors—setting a new record for public attendance—and was widely praised for spotlighting a new generation of UAE-based creatives.
Strong sales were reported throughout the four-day event, which was attended by leading international, regional, and local museums, institutions, and private collectors based in Dubai and around the world.
Featuring the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) as a strategic partner, Art Dubai is presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is also a partner of the fair.
Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director, Art Dubai Group, said: “This edition of Art Dubai has required a monumental effort from so many people. We are grateful for the support of the artists, galleries, and partners who have made this milestone so special. While we have always been proud of our local roots, this week exceeded all expectations. The community came out in force to celebrate the city’s incredible diversity and creativity, demonstrating the powerful role culture plays in bringing people together.”
Vibrant ecosystem
Rooted in Dubai and deeply connected across the wider region, this special edition of Art Dubai highlighted the city’s status as a leading commercial art hub and underscored the fair’s importance within the cultural ecosystem.
Spanning contemporary, modern, and digital practices, presentations included international galleries with long-standing commitments to the region, alongside those that have helped shape its evolving cultural landscape.
Participating galleries expressed strong appreciation for the depth of local collecting and the continued support of the regional arts scene.
Franco Noero, Founder of Turin-based Franco Noero Gallery, said:
“Since our first participation in Art Dubai in 2014, we have found the region rich with remarkable artists and people. It is clearly a place that rewards long-term investment. Returning during a challenging period, we have had an exceptional experience. The sophistication of our clients here is truly outstanding.”
Incredible camaraderie
Taymour Grahne, Founder of Taymour Grahne Gallery (Dubai, 2025), said: “This year’s Art Dubai felt magical. We presented a solo booth by Emirati artist Roudhah Al Marzouei and sold out within the first few hours. There was a strong sense of camaraderie, with the regional community reconnecting. We sold works to collectors based in Dubai from diverse backgrounds, including Emiratis, Saudis, Lebanese, Americans, French, and Canadians. The energy across the fair was exceptional.”
Maliha Tabari, Founder of Tabari Artspace, added: “As Art Dubai celebrates its 20th anniversary, its impact on the region cannot be overstated. The fair has been central to our ecosystem, bringing MENA art into dialogue with global audiences. While sales exceeded expectations, what stood out most was the depth of engagement. The fair allowed space for meaningful conversations, connections, and reflection—something the Art Dubai team should be commended for.”
Mohammed Hafiz, Co-Founder of ATHR Gallery, said: “Art Dubai and ATHR have grown together. Artist Rami Farook began his career at the fair’s first edition and returns now with a timely solo presentation, In Shaa Allah 5air (‘God willing, all will be well’). It is both an ode to Dubai and the wider region. What began as a regional initiative has become a global platform. This edition reinforces that the region is no longer on the periphery—it is at the centre. We are proud to have been part of this successful edition.”
Strong institutional presence
Institutional participation spanned more than 20 countries, including the Netherlands, UK, USA, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Lebanon, Germany, South Africa, and South Korea. Highlights included representatives from Zeitz MOCAA (Cape Town), Busan Museum of Art (South Korea), and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA, New York), among others.
Notable local and international collectors in attendance included Reem Al Roubi, Mo Afkhami, Elie Khouri, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, Rajib Sambdani, and Omar Al Gurg.
The next edition of Art Dubai will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from 7–11 April 2027.
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