At the press preview, the fair revealed a thoughtful mix of contemporary art, conversation and experimentation across Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape
Art Dubai was pushed back by a few weeks amid regional tensions, but if there’s one thing Dubai knows how to do, it’s return stronger than before — and this weekend, the city’s leading art fair returns to Madinat Jumeirah from May 15 to 17, 2026.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festival continues to cement Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for culture, the arts, and the creative economy. And yes, it’s still free to attend.
At the bustling press preview on May 14, we wandered through seemingly endless exhibition spaces filled with art at every turn – tucked into narrow corridors, hidden behind curtains, suspended overhead and spilling into outdoor courtyards. Cameras followed closely behind as art lovers, creators, curators and collectors moved through the halls with the same ambition: to see it all, only to be repeatedly pulled off course by a piece too striking to ignore. Nearby, curators spoke about their collections with infectious passion, eager to share the stories behind the works.
Art Dubai
A Song, A Story sculpture. Presented by Leila Heller Gallery
Art Dubai
Presented by Efie Gallery
Art Dubai
The Third Line – Farah Al Qasimi – Swimming Pool
ART DUBAI
Special Edition | Photo credit: Cedric Ribeiro / Getty Images
Art Dubai
Photo credit: Cedric Ribeiro/Getty Images
Art Dubai
Photo credit: Cedric Ribeiro/Getty Images
This year marks a milestone edition for Art Dubai as the fair celebrates two decades of shaping the region’s cultural landscape. First launched in 2007 as Gulf Art Fair, the event was created as a platform connecting regional and international art worlds.
It later evolved into Art Dubai, stepping into a space the region had long been missing: a major international art fair with Dubai at its centre.
In a refreshed format, the festival will spotlight the key galleries and institutions shaping the region’s art scene, with more than 75 presentations on show. This edition also reflects the enduring spirit of the UAE’s cultural landscape, highlighting collaboration between galleries, artists and institutions at a time when coming together feels more important than ever.
Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director, Art Dubai Group, said, “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.”
During the festival, galleries from nearly 20 countries will come together, spanning contemporary, modern and digital practices – so there’s something for everyone. Expect everything from large-scale installations and talks to performances, screenings and more informal moments of gathering, all coming together in an experience that feels open and connected.
Importantly, the fair brings together both emerging and established artists, alongside significant historical presentations.
If you’re plugged into the UAE’s art scene, you’ll recognise leading cultural names, including Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah Art Foundation, Alserkal Avenue, Jameel Art Centre (Art Jameel) and the National Pavilion UAE.
If you want to plan your visit, the full list of participants is available here.
Images: Supplied
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