The National Pavilion UAE has announced Bana Kattan as curator for the country’s presentation at the 2026 61st International Venice Biennale. Kattan, who serves as curator and associate head of exhibitions at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, was selected by a committee of key figures from the UAE government, museums, and academia.
A Curatorial Vision Rooted in the UAE
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Kattan’s work engages with the sociopolitical and historical realities of the UAE, interpreted through multiple artistic generations. Prior to joining the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, she curated exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, working with artists such as Wafaa Bilal (2025), Maryam Taghavi (2024), and Mona Hatoum (2023). A dedicated publication will accompany her pavilion presentation in Venice.
Exhibition Highlights and Statement
The UAE pavilion will open to the public from May 9 to November 22, 2026. Kouoh describes the exhibition as a “collective score” created in collaboration with artists, poets, performers, and filmmakers who work at the boundaries of form, each contributing “intricate melodies” to the overall composition.
Reflections on Kattan’s Role
Kattan said: “Having worked extensively in the region with multigenerational and transdisciplinary artists, I look forward to contributing to a project that reflects the UAE’s vibrant artistic landscape while engaging with broader histories and conversations.”
Laila Binbrek, director of the National Pavilion UAE, added that Kattan’s appointment “reflects the Pavilion’s driving purpose: to illuminate underexplored narratives by bringing together diverse artistic perspectives that showcase the UAE’s unique blend of histories and communities.”