World Art Dubai is back for its 12th edition from November 19 to 22, 2026, at Za’abeel Halls 2 & 3, Dubai World Trade Centre. The four-day fair will bring together more than 300 local and international exhibitors from over 65 countries.

Visitors can explore around 10,000 artworks, including paintings, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media and installations. The line-up features more than 200 solo artists and over 65 galleries, alongside artist groups and collectives.

A Fair Built for Discovery

This year’s edition, themed ‘Where the World’s Art Comes Together’, focuses on helping visitors move from discovering art to collecting it. A stronger gallery presence and new curatorial direction will shape how the works are presented.

New curators Rachael Brown and Stephane de Boysson, along with returning curators Gottfried Eisenberger and Samar Kamel will bring varied perspectives to the fair, helping visitors explore the diverse range of artistic practices on show. 

World Art Dubai also aims to make buying art feel approachable, giving first-time buyers and experienced collectors plenty of choice. The fair is also expected to attract interior designers, hospitality professionals and corporate buyers looking for art for homes, hotels, workplaces and development projects. Interest in collecting is growing: artwork sales rose by 28 per cent at the 2025 edition.

Emerging Talents Take the Stage

Photography will receive a dedicated spotlight through PhotoWAD, while the Emerging Artist Prize returns to give rising talent greater visibility. Gallery participation continues to grow, reflecting increasing confidence in the fair among UAE and international exhibitors.

A dedicated Emirati Artists Pavilion will also highlight local creative talent, connecting Emirati artists with collectors, buyers and international audiences.

Beyond the Exhibitions

Beyond the stands, the programme includes workshops, talks, performances, live demonstrations and interactive installations. More than 20 hands-on workshops are included with admission, offering creative activities for adults and children.

Sunday, November 22, will be Family Day, with children’s workshops and creative activities. Schools will also take part, giving students the chance to display their work and experience a professional art fair.

The Artist in Residence Programme helps connect artists with Dubai hotels including Hotel Indigo Downtown Dubai, SO/Uptown and Radisson RED with the residency continuing into 2027.

World Art Dubai 2026 runs daily from 1pm to 9pm. Early bird tickets are now on sale.