Abu Dhabi Art Fair will return for its 17th edition from 19–23 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat, marking its biggest showcase yet. More than 140 galleries from 37 countries and 52 cities will participate, with a 40% increase in exhibitors compared to last year.
Newcomers from Algeria, Senegal, Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania join the roster, underscoring the fair’s growing influence on the global stage.
“This dynamic line-up of over 140 galleries from 37 countries reflects the UAE’s maturing art market, the growing collector base in Abu Dhabi, and strong government-led investment in our creative and cultural industries,” Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art said in a statement.
“Our curatorial focus continues to centre under-represented art histories and foster equity in global art narratives through the platform of the fair.”
Nusseibeh also said that this year’s fair “will resonate with the globally impactful, museum-led vision shaping Saadiyat Island's cultural identity.”
December will see the opening of the long-awaited Zayed National Museum, followed by the Natural History Museum, while TeamLab’s immersive installation and the Louvre Abu Dhabi continue to draw international audiences.
Following last year’s collaboration, regional developer Aldar will return as the fair’s lead partner and will launch Aldar Hall, a newly repurposed space at the entrance to Manarat Al Saadiyat. The venue will host galleries in the Gulf Focus section as well as participants from across West Asia and North Africa, including two new entrants from West Africa.
An exciting element at this year’s edition will be the fair’s focus on the contemporary art scenes of Nigeria, Turkey, and the Gulf. These are three vibrant multifaceted landscapes that have either undergone remarkable transformations over the last decade or remain underexplored in the region.
Here’s a closer look at what they will offer at Abu Dhabi Art this year.
Nigeria Spotlight
In collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, this focus sector will bring together seven pioneering galleries that embody the country’s bold, narrative-rich contemporary art scene. Part of the Nigeria Everywhere initiative, the section aims to expand global awareness of Nigerian creativity, with works exploring identity, politics, history, and a strong sense of place.
Visitors can expect a range of mediums and voices, from mixed-media experiments to figurative painting and conceptual installations. The line-up includes SOTO Gallery, AMG Gallery, returning exhibitor kó, O’DA Gallery, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, Ishara Gallery, and a special project with MADhouse by Tikera Africa.
Modern Turkey
A new addition to the Global Focus programme, Modern Turkey is curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako and will present rarely seen works by modern masters. Participating galleries include, DG Art Gallery and Projects with works by the pioneering artist Fahrelnissa Zeid, known for her large-scale abstract paintings with kaleidoscopic patterns, Art On Istanbul Gallery spotlighting Burhan Dogancay the Turkish-American artist celebrated for his vivid urban-inspired paintings and collages, and BuroSarigedik presenting leading contemporary artist Gulsun Karamustafa known for her politically charged works exploring migration, identity, and cultural memory and Cengiz Cekil the pioneering Turkish conceptual artist whose work used everyday material to explore themes of persistence and resilience.
The Gulf Region
The Gulf’s artistic ecosystem has expanded dramatically in recent years, with artists from the region increasingly recognised for their innovation, technical skill, and deep cultural resonance.
This year’s Gulf Focus sector will highlight the breadth and quality of Khaleeji art, spanning conceptual installations, traditional craft, and cutting-edge contemporary practices. Participating galleries include:
Gallery Isabelle in Dubai: Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, Alia Zaal
Wusum Gallery in Doha: Tarek Darwish
Hunna Art in Kuwait: Alymamah Rashed, Joud Fahmy, Zayn Qahtani
SAPAR Contemporary in New York: Rashid Al-Khalifa
Iris Projects in Abu Dhabi: Nasser Al Salem, Juma Al Haj
Hafez Gallery in Jeddah: Sami Al Marzoogi, Sara Alabdali, Raeda Ashour
Albareh Art Gallery in Manama: Nasser Al Yousif