Art Abu Dhabi 2025
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair returns from 19–23 November for its landmark 17th edition, presenting its most globally diverse programme to date. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s fair hosts more than 140 galleries from 52 cities across 37 countries, marking a 40% increase in participation compared to last year.
The 2025 edition highlights dynamic art scenes from Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Türkiye, while welcoming first-time exhibitors from Algeria, Senegal, the Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania, underscoring the fair’s expanding international presence.
Since its inception in 2009, Abu Dhabi Art grows into the region’s largest art fair, consistently attracting major international galleries such as Pace, Richard Saltoun Gallery, Mennour, Hanart TZ Gallery, and ATHR. This year, they are joined by notable newcomers including Loft Art Gallery, RGR, Pedro Cera, and EQTNA Rare Books, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s rising status among global collectors and institutions.
A Platform for Global Cultural Dialogue
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, affirms the increasing scale and ambition of the fair:
“The upcoming edition of Abu Dhabi Art Fair promises to be the most ambitious yet, featuring a record number of galleries from around the world. Over the years, the fair evolves into the region’s most influential platform for art and ideas… Each edition advances our mission to foster Abu Dhabi’s vibrant creative ecosystem, connecting artists, collectors, and audiences in a dialogue that transcends borders and sparks new possibilities.”
Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, emphasises the fair’s role in shaping inclusive global narratives:
“This dynamic line-up of over 140 galleries reflects the UAE’s maturing art market and growing collector base… Our curatorial focus continues to centre under-represented art histories and foster equity in global art narratives. From pioneers of the Peruvian Amazon to Osogbo movement artists from Nigeria and modernists from Türkiye, this year’s fair resonates with the museum-led vision shaping Saadiyat Island’s cultural identity.”
Global Focus Sectors
Nigeria Spotlight
Organised in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, this sector spotlights seven pioneering galleries as part of the Nigeria Everywhere initiative. Works span mixed media, figurative painting, and conceptual installations, reflecting the innovation and urgency defining contemporary Nigerian art.
Participating galleries include SOTO Gallery, AMG Projects, kó, O’DA Gallery, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, Ishara Gallery, and a special project with MADhouse by Tikera Africa.
Modern Türkiye
Curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako, this section presents rarely seen works by modern Turkish masters, featuring pieces by Fahrelnissa Zeid, Burhan Doğançay, Gülsün Karamustafa, and Cengiz Çekil.
Participating galleries: DG Art Gallery and Projects, Art On Istanbul Gallery, and BüroSarigedik.
The Gulf Region
This sector showcases leading Khaleeji artists represented by:
Gallery Isabelle, Wusum Gallery, Hunna Art, SAPAR Contemporary, Iris Projects, Hafez Gallery, and Albareh Art Gallery, featuring artists such as Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, Rashid Al-Khalifa, and emerging voices including Alymamah Rashed and Zayn Qahtani.
Collectors’ Salon
Curated by Roxane Zand, the Collectors’ Salon returns with a distinguished line-up including Kent Antiques, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, INLIBRIS, Almine Rech, and Perrotin.
Aldar Debuts Aldar Hall at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Returning as a leading Partner, Aldar unveils Aldar Hall, a newly repurposed exhibition space created to support the fair’s rapid expansion. Located at the entrance of Manarat Al Saadiyat, the space hosts galleries from the Gulf Focus section and exhibitors from West Asia and North Africa, along with two new participants from West Africa.
First-time exhibitors at Aldar Hall include Loft Art Gallery, Comptoir des Mines Galerie (Morocco), Yosr Ben Ammar Gallery (Tunisia), OH GALLERY (Senegal), and Galerie Farah Fakhri (Ivory Coast), among others.
A Comprehensive Showcase of Global Creativity
The 2025 fair presents a comprehensive lineup across its Modern & Contemporary, Special Projects, Focus sectors, Emerge, and Bidaya categories, featuring celebrated international names alongside emerging artistic voices.
The full list of participating galleries is available on the Abu Dhabi Art website.
About Abu Dhabi Art
Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the framework of a traditional art fair, placing strong emphasis on a dynamic year-round programme that includes exhibitions, public installations, talks, and community events. The November fair stands as the culmination of this annual cycle, providing a vital sales platform for galleries while offering audiences ambitious installations and site-specific works.
More information: Abudhabiart.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi drives the sustainable development of the emirate’s culture, tourism, and creative sectors. Through collaborative partnerships and strategic investment, DCT Abu Dhabi works to position the emirate as a global destination defined by authenticity, innovation, and exceptional visitor experiences.
More information: dct.gov.ae | visitabudhabi.ae
