ABU DHABI ART

Launched in 2009 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Art grew from 42 galleries in its inaugural year to 142 galleries in its final edition in 2025. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the fair expanded the conventional art fair model by placing strong emphasis on year-round public engagement. 
Its annual programme included art installations, exhibitions, talks and events presented across various locations in the emirate, culminating each November in the Abu Dhabi Art fair itself.  The fair served both as a key sales platform for participating galleries and as a venue for  ambitious installations and site-specific works presented to a wide public audience. International modern and contemporary galleries presented a broad selection of artworks for sale, while guest curators contributed to the public  programme through exhibitions, talks and performances that brought diverse global perspectives to Abu Dhabi. Throughout the years, Abu Dhabi Art  also collaborated with artists to create the annual fair’s visual campaigns and worked alongside local and international sponsors and partners to deliver both the programme and the event. 
From 2011 onwards the fair was held at Manarat Al Saadiyat (MAS) a cultural centre on Saadiyat Island that has played a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s art eco-system. Since its opening in 2009, MAS has served as a community hub and a gateway to the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 
Following the conclusion of its 17th edition in 2025, the fair will continue in 2026 as Frieze Abu Dhabi. Organized by Frieze in partnership with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The inaugural edition will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 20 – 22 November 2026.

Learn More