Post by : Badri Ariffin

Art Dubai, held under the esteemed patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wrapped up its landmark 20th anniversary edition amidst remarkable public attendance and acclaim from artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions globally.

From 14 to 17 May at Madinat Jumeirah, the fair attracted over 25,000 visitors, setting a new record for attendance and celebrating two decades of contributions to the UAE's burgeoning creative sector.

The event underscored Dubai's evolution as a pivotal art hub in both regional and international contexts. Showcasing modern, contemporary, and digital art from renowned galleries, Art Dubai also aimed to spotlight the emerging talents among UAE-based artists.

Throughout the four-day extravaganza, impressive artwork sales were reported, with participation from numerous international, regional, and local museums, institutions, and collectors from Dubai and beyond.

Thanks to the collaborative effort with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority as a strategic partner and support from A.R.M. Holding and lifestyle developer HUNA, the fair achieved tremendous success.

Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai Group, commented on the success, emphasizing the role of artists, galleries, and partners in driving such a positive outcome. She noted the enthusiastic public response as a reflection of Dubai's rich cultural diversity and the significance of art in uniting communities.

Participating galleries commended the thriving local art market and the rising interest among collectors in the area.

Franco Noero, founder of the Turin-based gallery, highlighted the rewarding nature of long-term art investment in the region and the sophistication of Dubai's collectors.

Taymour Grahne, who launched his gallery in Dubai in 2025, shared that his booth sold out within hours, with notable interest from a diverse group of collectors, including Emiratis, Saudis, Lebanese, Americans, French, and Canadians.

Maliha Tabari, founder of Tabari Artspace, expressed that Art Dubai has significantly contributed to connecting MENA art with international audiences over the past two decades, fostering meaningful dialogue among artists, collectors, and attendees.

Mohaammed Hafiz, co-founder of ATHR Gallery, described the fair as an essential global platform for regional artists and emphasized that the Middle East is now a focal point in the global cultural landscape.

The fair featured participation from institutions spanning over 20 nations, including the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Lebanon, Germany, South Africa, and South Korea.

Major institutions in attendance included the Museum of Modern Art, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and Busan Museum of Art.

The next edition of Art Dubai is scheduled to return to Madinat Jumeirah from 7 to 11 April 2027.

#Global News #Dubai News #UAE News