Art Dubai has announced the first details of its revised 2026 edition, introducing a “special” format that reflects both current regional realities and evolving exhibition models. The fair will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from May 15–17, with a VIP preview scheduled for May 14.
Revised format responds to regional context
The event will be free to attend and will run in a modified format, bringing together about 75 presentations from commercial galleries, institutional participants and partners. Initially, the fair was scheduled for April; however, it was postponed and ultimately scaled back after the start of the Iran war.
Consequently, organisers have introduced structural adjustments similar to those implemented during Covid-19. In particular, the event will adopt a risk-sharing model, allowing exhibiting galleries to pay booth costs based on commercial success. This approach, therefore, aims to support galleries while maintaining participation during uncertain conditions.
“Art Dubai’s story is Dubai’s story, and producing this special edition would only be possible in Dubai, for an organisation that has grown hand in hand with the city, and with the support of our long-term partners,” says Benedetta Ghione, executive director, Art Dubai Group.
“Current circumstances mean that this may not be what we had planned to mark our 20th edition, but the galleries and wider programmes represent what makes Art Dubai both unique and special.”
Regional and international galleries anchor programme
The scaled-back fair will offer free entry to visitors for the first time. Photo: Art Dubai
The fair will include more than 45 gallery presentations across contemporary, modern and digital art, with participating galleries from nearly 20 countries, including about 60 per cent drawn from the region. As a result, the programme foregrounds regional practices while maintaining global dialogue.
The exhibitor list includes a strong Dubai and Abu Dhabi contingent, featuring galleries such as Carbon 12, Lawrie Shabibi, Leila Heller Gallery and The Third Line. Meanwhile, regional participants include Athr, Hafez Gallery and Agial Art Gallery, reinforcing cross-regional exchange.
International exhibitors such as Perrotin, Galleria Franco Noero and Dirimart further expand the fair’s scope. Accordingly, the curatorial direction emphasises both regional depth and global connectivity.
“What stands out is the strength and intent of these presentations: galleries are showing ambitious, considered work, reflecting both the depth of the region and its connections across a wider set of cultural contexts,” says Dunja Gottweis, director, Art Dubai Fair.
Expanded programme highlights collaboration and commissions
Alongside gallery presentations, the fair will stage exhibitions, large-scale installations, commissions, performances, screenings and daily talks, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. In addition, programme highlights include Made Forward, a major presentation from Dubai Collection, the 20th edition of the Global Art Forum, and an exhibition curated by Barjeel Art Foundation.
Furthermore, a performance-led programme will be developed in collaboration with Sharjah Art Foundation, while moving image works will be presented with Alserkal Avenue. Additional partnerships include Art Jameel, the Ministry of Culture and House of Arts / Expo City Dubai.
“Things we do together have been a guiding thread in shaping the programme,” says Alexie Glass-Kantor, executive director – curatorial, Art Dubai Group. “The focus is on creating an experience that feels connected and open.”
A separate commissions and installations programme will feature artists including Khalid Al Banna, Hashel Al Lamki and Sudarshan Shetty, among others.
Art Dubai is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Dubai Culture serving as strategic partner for this edition, presented in partnership with ARM Holding.