Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025: A Global Celebration of Contemporary Art
The
Abu Dhabi Art Fair, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is set to return for its 17th edition from
November 19 to 23, 2025. This marked event will feature
140 galleries representing over
35 countries, spotlighting diverse art scenes, particularly from Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Türkiye.
Expanding Global Influence
Since its inception in
2009, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair has become the largest art fair in the region, attracting influential galleries from around the world. This year, esteemed participants like
Pace,
Richard Saltoun Gallery,
Mennour,
Hanart TZ Gallery, and
ATHR will showcase their artworks alongside debut exhibitors such as
Loft Art Gallery and
EQTNA Rare Books. The participation has surged by
40% compared to last year, indicating Abu Dhabi's rising reputation in the global art community.
Nigeria Spotlight
One of the highlights this year is the
Nigeria Spotlight section, in collaboration with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This dedicated area will showcase
seven pioneering galleries from Nigeria, emphasizing the nation's vibrant contemporary art scene. The works on display will delve into themes of identity, politics, history, and place, reflecting Nigeria's role as a cultural leader in Africa. Notable participants include
SOTO Gallery,
AMG Projects, and
O'DA Gallery, among others.
Modern Türkiye
Curated by
Doris Benhalegua Karako, the section focusing on Modern Türkiye will unveil rarely seen works from master artists such as
Fahrelnissa Zeid and
Burhan Doğançay. This initiative aims to highlight the depth and diversity of Turkish art traditions, adding to the international dialogue about contemporary art.
The Gulf Region
The Gulf region will also be well represented at the fair. Notable galleries include
Gallery Isabelle, showcasing Khaleeji artists like
Hassan Sharif, and
Huna Art, presenting works by
Alymamah Rashed and others. These artists are redefining modern art's narrative in the region.
Collectors' Salon and New Partnerships
The
Collectors' Salon, curated by
Roxane Zand, is set to feature a range of prestigious collectors and galleries, adding to the fair's appeal as a valuable networking platform for art enthusiasts and collectors. This year,
Aldar returns as a leading partner, launching the newly revitalized
Aldar Hall at Manarat Al Saadiyat, which will host galleries specifically from the Gulf and North Africa.
A Broader Engagement
Abu Dhabi Art goes beyond just being an art fair. It fosters public engagement with various programs, including installations, exhibitions, talks, and events held throughout the year. The event not only serves as a sales platform for galleries but also allows them to showcase significant installations and projects, attracting a wide audience of art lovers and collectors.
The upcoming
2025 Abu Dhabi Art Fair promises to be an exciting and diverse celebration of contemporary art, solidifying its place as a pivotal event on the global art calendar. Visitors can look forward to experiencing a multitude of artistic expressions from a variety of cultural backgrounds, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the global art scene.
For more details, please visit the official
Abu Dhabi Art Fair website.