A landmark edition celebrating 20 years of Art Dubai, this special programme brings together global voices, bold collaborations, and the creative energy shaping the region’s cultural future

Art Dubai, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced the preliminary list of participants for its 2026 special edition, set to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from 15 to 17 May, with a VIP preview on 14 May.

Marking 20 years of championing artists, galleries, and collectors across the region, this edition reflects both the fair’s legacy and its present moment. Bringing together a focused and collaborative programme, Art Dubai 2026 continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for culture, arts, and the creative economy.

Presented in a modified format, the fair will feature over 75 presentations from commercial galleries, institutional participants, and cultural partners. Around 60% of gallery presentations will come from the region, alongside international participants from nearly 20 countries, highlighting the fair’s longstanding role in connecting regional practices with global perspectives.

Supported by Dubai Culture as Strategic Partner and presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and leading cultural institutions, the edition reflects a collaborative model between public and private sectors to support the creative economy.

Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai Group, described the fair as “more than a conventional art fair,” noting its evolution into an international platform for the region’s cultural scene. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and resilience, particularly in the context of the current global climate, adding that the 2026 edition reflects what makes Art Dubai “unique and special.”

Dunja Gottweis, Director of Art Dubai Fair, emphasised the breadth of the programme, which spans contemporary, modern, and digital practices. From emerging voices to established artists and significant historical presentations, the edition aims to present ambitious and considered work that reflects both regional depth and global connections.

Curatorially, the programme is shaped by the theme “Things we do together,” focusing on collective experiences and shared cultural dialogue. According to Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director of Curatorial at Art Dubai Group, the fair will bring together artists, galleries, institutions, and audiences through installations, performances, talks, and informal gatherings designed to foster connection and engagement.

The gallery programme will feature over 45 presentations, including long-standing participants and first-time exhibitors. This edition also introduces a new risk-sharing model, allowing galleries to pay booth costs based on their success, responding to current challenges within the art market.

Alongside gallery presentations, the fair will host a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, commissions, and cultural initiatives. Highlights include a major presentation from Dubai Collection, the 20th edition of the Global Art Forum commissioned by Shumon Basar, and an exhibition of modern Arab art from the Barjeel Art Foundation.

Additional programming will feature performances in collaboration with the Sharjah Art Foundation, large-scale installations and site-specific commissions by regional and international artists, and a moving image programme co-curated with Alserkal Avenue.

Further collaborations include partnerships with Art Jameel, National Pavilion UAE, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and House of Arts, alongside a daily programme of talks, screenings, and live activations.

Complementing the gallery presentations, this special edition of Art Dubai will present a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, large-scale installations, commissions, performances, and screenings alongside a daily programme of talks and conversations.

Presented in partnership with the UAE’s leading institutions, programme highlights will include:

As Art Dubai enters its third decade, the 2026 special edition underscores its role as both a cultural platform and a convening force, one that continues to shape and support the region’s evolving arts ecosystem.