Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the 17th Abu Dhabi Art will take place from 19 to 23 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, the event will feature an impressive lineup of more than 140 galleries from 37 countries across 52 cities. The edition highlights art scenes from Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Trkiye, while welcoming first-time participants from Senegal, Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania. Over 600 artists are expected to present over 2,000 artworks.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, remarked on the ambitious nature of this year's fair, emphasizing its evolution into a significant platform for art and ideas in the region. The fair has seen participation surge by 40% compared to last year, indicating Abu Dhabi's growing stature in both institutional and private collecting circles.
The event is set to attract renowned international galleries such as Pace, Richard Saltoun Gallery, Mennour, Hanart TZ Gallery, and ATHR, alongside debut exhibitors like Loft Art Gallery, Galeria RGR, Paul Hughes Fine Arts, and EQTNA. Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, highlighted the fair's role in reflecting the UAE's maturing art market and the government's investment in cultural industries.
The 2025 edition features curated Focus sectors that amplify diverse art narratives. The Nigeria Spotlight, in collaboration with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, will showcase pioneering galleries from Nigeria. This section is part of the Nigeria Everywhere initiative, aiming to increase global exposure of Nigerian creativity.
Modern Trkiye, curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako, will present rarely seen works by modern masters, with galleries like DG Art Gallery and Projects and Art On Istanbul Gallery participating. The Gulf Region will feature leading Khaleeji artists represented by galleries such as Gallery Isabelle and Wusum Gallery.
The fair will also include the Collectors' Salon, curated by Roxane Zand, featuring a diverse line-up of exhibitors. ALDAR Properties will unveil ALDAR Hall at the entrance to Manarat Al Saadiyat, hosting galleries from the Gulf Focus section and West Africa, including first-time exhibitors like Loft Art Gallery and Comptoir de Mines Galerie.