Abu Dhabi Art Fair returns this fall with unprecedented momentum, reaffirming its place as the region’s leading platform for contemporary and modern art. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair celebrates its 17th edition from November 19–23, bringing together more than 140 galleries from 52 cities across 37 countries—a remarkable 40% increase in participation from last year.
It is a milestone year not only in scale but in vision. With an expanded global footprint, an emphasis on under-represented art histories, and newly introduced focus sectors spotlighting Nigeria, modern Türkiye, and the Gulf region, the fair cements Abu Dhabi as an essential meeting point for artists, collectors, curators, and cultural leaders.
“Over the years, the fair has evolved into the region’s most influential platform for art and ideas,” said H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. That evolution is palpable in this year’s curatorial diversity—from North African modernists and Khaleeji trailblazers to pivotal figures from the Peruvian Amazon and Venezuela—reflecting a cultural ecosystem deeply aligned with the museum-driven development of Saadiyat Island.
A Global Lineup with Fresh Voices
Abu Dhabi Art Galleries 2024
Mohammad AlFaraj, Untitled (palm IV), 2023, charcoal on paper in 4 parts
42 x 29.7 cm (each page), 168 x 29.7 cm (total). Courtesy of Mennour Gallery. Modern & Contemporary Sector.
Since its launch in 2009, Abu Dhabi Art has drawn some of the world’s most notable galleries, including Pace, Mennour, Richard Saltoun, Hanart TZ, ATHR, and GALLERIA CONTINUA. For 2025, first-time exhibitors join the roster, such as Loft Art Gallery (Morocco), Pedro Cera (Portugal), RGR (Mexico City), and EQTNA Rare Books—each expanding the fair’s global dialogue.
The result is a fair where established blue-chip names sit comfortably alongside rising spaces from Algeria, Tanzania, Peru, Senegal, and the Netherlands—many of whom are showing in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
Focus: Nigeria Spotlight
Muraina Oyelami, “Fluck of like minds (Octopus),” 1975, Courtesy of kó, Focus: Nigeria Spotlight Sector.
Sami Al Marzoqi, Untitled, 2002, Indian Ink on paper, 39 x 31 cm, framed 54 x44 cm. Courtesy of Hafez Gallery. Focus: The Gulf Region Sector.
This year’s highly anticipated Nigeria Spotlight sector—presented in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy—showcases seven galleries shaping one of Africa’s most dynamic contemporary art scenes. Expect narrative-driven works from SOTO Gallery, conceptual installations from AMG Projects, new voices at kó, and a special MADhouse project supported by Tikera Africa. Subtle, bold, political, poetic—together they form one of the fair’s most compelling curatorial chapters.
Focus: Modern Türkiye
Curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako, the Modern Türkiye focus sector brings rarely seen works by modern masters. DG Art Gallery presents pieces by Fahrelnissa Zeid; Art On Istanbul spotlights Burhan Doğançay; and BüroSarıgedik introduces works by Gülsün Karamustafa and Cengiz Çekil. The presentation brings overdue international attention to Turkey’s groundbreaking 20th-century art movements.
Focus: The Gulf Region
Hassan Sharif, “Insect,” 2015, papier mache, wire, coir, cable, cotton thread and acrylic, 94 x 48 x 10 cm. Courtesy of Gallery Isabelle. Focus: The Gulf Region Sector.
Zeina Abdullah, “Ladder of Life,” 2025, mixed media installation (wood, fabric, steel chain), 300 x 50 cm. Courtesy of Rarares Gallery. Emerge Sector.
Reflecting the cultural richness of the UAE and its neighbors, the Gulf Focus gathers leading Khaleeji artists represented by regional mainstays such as Gallery Isabelle (showing Hassan Sharif and Mohammed Kazem), Hunna Art (featuring Alymamah Rashed and Joud Fahmy), and Hafez Gallery (spotlighting Sami Al Marzoogi and Sara Alabdali). The breadth of mediums—from conceptual works to new-media experiments—tells a contemporary story rooted in heritage but unafraid of reinvention.
Aldar Hall: A New Expansion
Marking the scale of this year’s growth, Aldar returns as a major partner and launches Aldar Hall, a newly repurposed exhibition space at the entrance of Manarat Al Saadiyat. Here, visitors can discover galleries from West Asia, North Africa, and West Africa—including first-time participants like OH GALLERY (Senegal), Yosr Ben Ammar Gallery (Tunisia), and Galerie Farah Fakhri (Ivory Coast). The hall expands the fair’s capacity for ambitious presentations and adds a new architectural layer to the experience.
Not-to-Miss Booths and Artworks
Burhan Doğançay, “OMO,” 1991, 146 x 250 cm (h x w), mixed media on canvas. Courtesy of Art On İstanbul Gallery. Focus: Modern Turkiye Sector.
Pace Gallery returns with a standout program spanning monumental sculpture and cutting-edge digital practice—always a crowd magnet.
Loft Art Gallery debuts with a strong lineup of North African modernists and contemporary painters redefining Casablanca’s artistic identity.
Gallery Isabelle brings rare early works by Hassan Sharif, offering a deep dive into the conceptual pioneer of the UAE.
SOTO Gallery’s presentation of Nigerian contemporary painting is expected to draw significant collector attention.
BüroSarıgedik’s pairing of Gülsün Karamustafa and Cengiz Çekil creates a bridge between two generations of experimental Turkish artists.
Perrotin showcases international names across painting and sculpture, perfect for those seeking global powerhouses.
Across the fair, visitors will also encounter large-scale installations, photography, conceptual works, and newly commissioned pieces—reflecting a curatorial direction grounded in inclusivity, cultural exchange, and bold creative storytelling.
Collectors’ Salon
Nejib Belkhodja, “Circuit ouver,” 1970, embossed corrugated carton, 60 x 140 cm. Courtesy of Elmarsa. Modern & Contemporary Sector.
Curated again by Roxane Zand, the Collectors’ Salon deepens the fair’s connection to global collecting culture through presentations from Perrotin, Almine Rech, INLIBRIS, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, and Kent Antiques. It is a refined destination for those seeking rare books, notable antiquities, and museum-quality artworks.
Practical Information
Dates: November 19–23, 2025
Venue: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Website: abudhabiart.ae
Tickets: Available online through the fair’s official website.
Highlights: Over 140 galleries, new Aldar Hall, Nigeria Spotlight, Modern Türkiye, Gulf Region Focus, Collectors’ Salon, special projects, and large-scale installations.
