Despite the regional conflict that broke out on February 28 between Israel and Iran, impacting everyday life in the Gulf states, the 2026 edition of Art Dubai is striding ahead with a postponed date and a modified programming. Taking place between May 15 and 17 at Madinat Jumeirah, the edition is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the contemporary, modern and digital art event, which has always been billed as the region's leading art fair.
For the first time, the fair will be free to all visitors, who can explore presentations of medium-varying artworks of 50 galleries, a more focused presentation of artists compared to previous editions of the fair. "This special edition will demonstrate the resilience of the UAE’s cultural scene as well as the power of collaboration, bringing together galleries, artists and institutions at a time when that role of convening feels more important than ever," Benedetta Ghione, Art Dubai's executive director, said in a statement.
A majority of the exhibitors are based in the region, including Athr (Jeddah), Saleh Barakat Gallery (Beirut), and Gallery One (Ramallah). In addition, many of Dubai's homegrown ecosystem of well-known galleries, including Ayyam Gallery, The Third Line, Tabari Artspace, Gallery Isabelle, Lawrie Shabibi, among others will take part in the event as usual.
"I’m very happy they have decided to go ahead with the fair this year even during these challenging times," The Third Line's co-founder Sunny Rahbar, showcasing works by artists Sara Naim and Farah Al Qasimi, told Vogue Arabia. "It’s important to continue the work that we all do and to show up for the art scene here. Art brings people together and in difficult times it’s even more important to come together."
Jad Karam, the director of Gallery Isabelle showcasing artists Raed Yassin, Mohammed Kazem, Hassan Sharif, Alia Zaal, and Bassim Al-Shaker, told Vogue Arabia of his expectations of the scaled down fair, which he believes is part of the bigger picture of unity amongst the emirates. “We are expecting greater space for local and UAE-based artists with a focus on meaningful gestures. As the fair marks its 20th anniversary, it becomes a great time to reconnect with familiar voices, and bring the community together,” he said. “I believe the importance of this edition extends beyond the fair itself. We have to stay present, close to our artists, in times of difficulties and uncertainties. It's important to show commitment and support - to persist and show up through highs and lows. We have doubled efforts with the only hope that things will improve.”
International participants are also part of the programming, such as Lilia Ben Salah (Paris), Art Fungible (Hong Kong), and Labor (Mexico City). “This special edition of Art Dubai brings together galleries from nearly 20 countries with strong representation from the region and internationally. This is testament to the unique role Art Dubai has played over two decades in supporting and sustaining Dubai as the centre of the region’s art market,” Dunja Gottweis, the director of Art Dubai, said in a statement.
Aside from setting up halls dedicated to contemporary art, there will also be talks, performances, screenings, and special on-site exhibitions. One of them is a display of modern Arab art hailing from the esteemed collection of the Barjeel Art Foundation, established by Emirati patron and educator Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi in Sharjah in 2010. In 2028, a new museum housing the collection will be inaugurated in Sharjah.
Another separate showcase will be set up by The Dubai Collection, the city’s first institutional collection of modern and contemporary art. Entitled “Made Forward”, the presentation will include works by artists hailing from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia from over 20 private collections of Dubai patrons. The belonging-themed exhibition will look into, according to an Instagram post, “how societies construct, sustain, and carry themselves forward.”
