Abu Dhabi Unveils Art Customs Duty Waiver Program to Attract Global Collectors

Abu Dhabi's Innovative Art Customs Duty Waiver Program

In a significant move to boost its cultural landscape, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has announced a pioneering art customs duty waiver program. This initiative is designed to attract international collectors and establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for high-value art. With this program, the emirate seeks to create a secure and well-regulated environment for storing and exhibiting exceptional artworks.

The art customs duty waiver program is part of a broader cultural strategy that aims to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted and forward-looking destination for art preservation and exhibition. Collectors and family offices managing artworks valued at a minimum of 10 million AED (approximately $2.72 million) will benefit from this initiative, which emphasizes governance, legal clarity, and institutional oversight. This comprehensive framework is tailored to ensure the safe and responsible participation of art collectors in the emirate's cultural vision.

As the program rolls out, it initially focuses on regulation and structured oversight. Notably, artworks that remain in Abu Dhabi for at least three years are eligible for the duty waiver, coupled with a six-month window for exporters to maximize flexibility. Moreover, collectors can contribute their artworks for scientific studies, research, and public engagement over time, further enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

An international panel of experts will assess applications for the program to ensure compliance with its standards and Abu Dhabi's commitment to protecting irreplaceable cultural assets. These evaluations are part of a thorough governance strategy designed to enhance transparency, traceability, and responsible participation in Abu Dhabi’s art scene. Additionally, a dedicated digital portal will facilitate interaction between art collectors and the program, enabling them to submit interest, access program details, and connect with advisory experts.

This initiative not only reinforces Abu Dhabi's aspirations to become a global cultural capital but also underscores the essential conditions for safeguarding and celebrating significant private art collections. By providing a stable regulatory environment, the Department of Culture and Tourism aims to support collectors in preserving their heritage while contributing to global cultural dialogue.

As part of a long-term strategy to expand the cultural sector and creative industries, this program aligns with Abu Dhabi's goals of fostering international partnerships and promoting responsible cultural investments. The success of this initiative will be measured by the integrity of the regulations, effective oversight, and adherence to international best practices. Through this comprehensive approach, Abu Dhabi stands ready to become a vital player in the global art market, reiterating its commitment to cultural preservation and appreciation.

Call for applications will soon be opened via the official digital portal, allowing collectors from around the world to engage with the program team and initiate the eligibility review process. Interested parties can request additional information as they look to join this transformative cultural journey in Abu Dhabi.