Abu Dhabi Art Fair Returns for Its 17th Edition with Global Participation

Under the esteemed 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 is set to return from 19 to 23 November 2025. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair will host over 140 galleries from 52 cities across 37 countries, marking a record-breaking edition.

This year’s fair will highlight the dynamic art scenes of Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Türkiye, while welcoming first-time participants from Algeria, Senegal, the Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global cultural hub.

Since its launch in 2009, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair has become the largest in the region, attracting leading international galleries including Pace, Richard Saltoun Gallery, Mennour, Hanart TZ Gallery, and ATHR. The 2025 edition will feature debut exhibitors such as Loft Art Gallery, RGR, Pedro Cera, and EQTNA Rare Books, with the number of exhibitors increasing by 40% compared to last year, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s rising prominence in both institutional and private art collecting circles.

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said:
"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 has evolved into the region’s most influential platform for art and ideas, connecting the UAE’s pioneering spirit with the global art community. Each edition advances our mission to foster Abu Dhabi’s vibrant creative ecosystem, enabling dialogue that transcends borders, encourages meaningful exchange, and sparks new possibilities."

Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, added:
"With over 140 galleries from 37 countries, this edition reflects the UAE’s maturing art market and strong government-led investment in the creative sector. Our curatorial focus continues to highlight under-represented art histories and promote equity in global art narratives. From pioneers of the Peruvian Amazon, Venezuela, and Brazil to modernists from Türkiye, artists from Nigeria’s Osogbo movement, Khaleeji trailblazers, North African modernists, and leading Chinese artists, this year’s fair embodies a globally impactful vision shaping Saadiyat Island's cultural identity."

Global Focus Sectors

The 2025 fair features curated Focus sectors highlighting diverse art narratives:

• Nigeria Spotlight: In collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, seven pioneering Nigerian galleries will showcase contemporary works that explore identity, politics, history, and place. 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 will feature rarely seen works by modern Turkish masters. Galleries include DG Art Gallery and Projects (Fahrelnissa Zeid), Art On Istanbul Gallery (Burhan Doğançay), and BüroSarigedik (Gülsün Karamustafa and Cengiz Çekil).

• The Gulf Region: Leading Khaleeji artists will be showcased by galleries including Gallery Isabelle (Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, Alia Zaal), Wusum Gallery (Tarek Darwish), Hunna Art (Alymamah Rashed, Joud Fahmy, Zayn Qahtani), SAPAR Contemporary (Rashid Al-Khalifa), Iris Projects (Nasser Al Salem, Juma Al Haj, Shamsa Al Omaira), Hafez Gallery (Sami Al Marzoogi, Sara Alabdali, Raeda Ashour), and Albareh Art Gallery (Nasser Al Yousif).

The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art Fair underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a global platform for art, culture, and dialogue, positioning Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for collectors, artists, and audiences worldwide.