This weekend, Art Dubai 2025 promises to transform the city into a pulsating hub of creativity with 120+ exhibitors, daring digital commissions, and cutting-edge conversations—redefining the global art scene from the heart of the UAE.
All eyes turn to Dubai as the city transforms into a global stage for creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange at the much-anticipated Dubai Art Fair 2025 from 18 to 20 April.
With over 100 galleries from more than 50 countries, Art Dubai 2025 highlights its core identity as a hub for global discovery.
Taking place from April 18–20, the mega art showcase is thoughtfully segmented into curated sections, each led by renowned experts in their fields.
Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director, while speaking to an international architecture and interior design magazine said, ““For nearly two decades, Art Dubai has played two complementary roles, as the region’s leading commercial art platform and as a unique institution that is rooted in and significantly contributes to the local cultural ecosystem. This year’s programme continues this long-term approach, working in partnership with local institutions, business and government to create new opportunities for artists, and enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a centre of innovation and thought leadership.”
Since its launch in 2007, Art Dubai has played a vital role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape—not just as a commercial hub, but as a catalyst for year-round cultural programming, institutional partnerships, and artist development.
The 2025 edition builds on its legacy as a key platform for cross-cultural dialogue and a reflection of emerging market trends, promising a dynamic showcase of contemporary, modern, and digital art from across the globe.
More than 20 first-time exhibitors will join the fair, featuring both established and emerging talents from the Gulf, Africa, and South Asia. As Dubai’s art market evolves, the fair sees a strong presence of local galleries and an increasing number of Emirati artists.
This year, the fair expands its global footprint with the addition of new national pavilions representing Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Australia, and Estonia. From Zimbabwean modernism to Mongolia’s nomadic visual traditions, striking Australian murals, and sculptural expressions from Mexico, the fair offers a vivid tapestry of global creativity.
Making their debut are the Emirati and Philippines Pavilions—spotlighting local talent and contemporary voices from Southeast Asia. The expansion of established pavilions, including those from Turkey and the UAE, reflects the fair’s rising stature as a magnet for collectors, curators, and creatives from around the world.
The landmark 2025 edition amplifies its mission with bold commissions, thought-provoking talks, and forging partnerships with local institutions, businesses, and government entities to generate new opportunities for art aficionados and curious newcomers alike, further enhance Dubai’s burgeoning reputation as a hub of innovation and thought leadership.
The fair offers a bold glimpse into the future of art, unveiling a powerful lineup of commissions, performances, and digital presentations that underscore its forward-thinking vision.
The fair launches a new multi-year partnership with Alserkal Avenue through site-specific interventions by acclaimed Mexican artist Héctor Zamora, known for engaging public spaces and architectural forms. In the digital realm, leading Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem presents a major new work supported by Julius Baer, continuing his conceptual exploration of space, sound, and language.
Themes of technology, nature, and human experience run throughout, with experiential works by Ania Soliman and Total Arts at the Courtyard, examining how digital tools transform our understanding of the natural world.
Art Dubai Digital, now in its fourth edition, returns as a hub for cutting-edge digital art, featuring immersive, site-specific works by Ouchhh Studio, Breakfast, Jacopo Di Cera, and Hybrid Xperience.
The Global Art Forum, titled “The New New Normal” and curated by Y7 under Shumon Basar’s commission, will explore major societal shifts, while the Digital Summit delves into the evolving terrain of digital art under the theme “After the Technological Sublime.”
Anchoring the fair, Art Dubai’s gallery programme includes over 120 exhibitors. Key sections include:
Art Dubai Contemporary – showcasing contemporary works from 70+ galleries across five continents, with a focus on emerging voices and underrepresented regions.
Bawwaba – solo presentations reflecting on new forms of coexistence; and
Art Dubai Modern – spotlighting 20th-century masters from the Middle East, North Africa, and their connections with Latin America.
Beyond galleries, Art Dubai Commissions provides a platform for ambitious new works, supported by live performances and installations that activate the fair space with timely themes like environment, technology, and human interaction.
The fair’s commitment to intellectual engagement is evident in its robust talks and cultural programming. These include Collector Talks, Modern Talks, and Conversations with Artists, providing platforms for insightful discussions and expert perspectives on the art world. The Digital Summit, an integral part of Art Dubai Digital, will delve into the future trajectories of digital art.
Art Dubai Digital 2025 delves deep into the evolving intersection of art, artificial intelligence, and new media. This year’s theme, “After the Technological Sublime,” explores how contemporary artists are harnessing digital tools to navigate and respond to the urgent questions of our time.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing future generations of art enthusiasts, the A.R.M. Holding Children Programme will engage young audiences through interactive workshops and collaborations with artists. The 2025 program will focus on local ecosystems and the cultural significance of water.
Art Dubai’s enduring commitment to supporting underrepresented regions remains a key differentiator. The fair actively champions galleries and artists from the Gulf, Africa, and South Asia, providing them with crucial visibility within the global art market. This emphasis on inclusivity, coupled with its strong focus on digital innovation and the historical context provided by the Modern section, positions Art Dubai as a truly multifaceted and globally relevant art fair.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and supported by key partners such as A.R.M. Holding, Julius Baer, Piaget, HUNA, and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Art Dubai 2025 is poised to be a landmark event.
