The fair will return to Madinat Jumeirah from 17–19 April 2026, with previews on 15 and 16 April, and is set to feature over 100 modern, contemporary, and digital presentations from more than 35 countries. This year’s curatorial framework, titled “Future, Past, Present”, reflects the fair’s ambition to balance Dubai’s rich cultural history with its rapidly evolving art scene.
The 2026 edition is also the first under the leadership of new Fair Director Dunja Gottweis, who has overseen a revamped structure including the introduction of Zamaniyyat and Bawwaba Extended, alongside the established Galleries, Bawwaba, and Art Dubai Digital. The latter will mark its fifth edition, continuing to explore the intersection of art and technology.
“For 20 years Art Dubai has been instrumental in shaping Dubai’s creative identity,” Gottweis said. “This year’s revamped gallery sections and ‘Future, Past, Present’ framework reflect both the region’s unique historical context and its future-facing practices.”
A key feature of this year’s fair is its diversity of participants. The 2026 edition will welcome 36 first-time exhibitors, including galleries from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The representation from Africa has more than doubled, while Latin American participation has grown, showcasing artists and galleries from Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. Over half of all participants hail from the MENASA region, underscoring Dubai’s position as a hub for regional art.
The fair’s programme extends beyond gallery presentations. Institutional collaborations, artist commissions, and an extensive talks programme will run alongside the event, including a special edition of the Global Art Forum, Art Dubai’s annual transdisciplinary summit.
Art Dubai continues to be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is supported by partners including Julius Baer, Piaget, HUNA, and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Among the notable newcomers are Galerie Frank Elbaz (France), ChertLüdde (Germany), Labor (Mexico), and Galerie Peter Kilchmann (Switzerland), while returning galleries include Selma Feriani Gallery (Tunisia), Gajah Gallery (Singapore), and Loft Art Gallery (Morocco).
As Art Dubai approaches its third decade, the fair reflects the city’s growing cultural confidence, combining global ambition with deep regional roots, and cementing its role as a catalyst for the region’s art ecosystem.
