Dubai: Art Dubai, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the preliminary list of participants for its 2026 special edition. The event will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from 15-17 May, with a VIP preview scheduled for 14 May. This edition aims to reinforce Dubai's status as a global hub for culture, arts, and the creative economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, Art Dubai has, for 20 years, championed artists, galleries, and collectors who have contributed to the region's cultural landscape. The special edition will feature a programme that highlights the fair's core strengths of independence, local and regional roots, and diverse global perspectives. The event will include over 75 presentations from commercial galleries, institutional participants, and partners.
Dubai Culture is the Strategic Partner of this special edition, presented in collaboration with A.R.M. Holding and other leading cultural institutions. This partnership exemplifies the integration of roles between the public and private sectors in supporting the creative economy. Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai Group, emphasized the role of Art Dubai as an international platform for the region's cultural scene, highlighting the significance of collaboration in the UAE's cultural sector.
Dunja Gottweis, Director of Art Dubai Fair, noted the participation of galleries from nearly 20 countries, underscoring Art Dubai's role in sustaining Dubai as a central art market in the region. The gallery programme will feature a range of contemporary, modern, and digital practices, showcasing both emerging artists and established names. The presentations reflect the depth of the region and its connections to broader cultural contexts.
Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director, Curatorial, Art Dubai Group, described the programme as focusing on creating an experience that feels connected and open. Developed in collaboration with leading cultural institutions across the UAE and the region, the programme invites audiences to engage and encounter work in unexpected ways.
This special edition of Art Dubai will feature over 45 gallery presentations, with around 60% of participants drawn from the region, highlighting Dubai's status as a commercial art hub. It will include international galleries committed to the region and newcomers to the Art Dubai family. An innovative risk-sharing model will be introduced, allowing galleries to pay booth costs based on success.
Through collaborations with government, private sector, and cultural partners, Art Dubai remains embedded in Dubai's creative ecology, committed to initiatives that reflect the city's cultural ambitions and diverse communities. The event will also present a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, large-scale installations, commissions, performances, and screenings, alongside daily talks and conversations.