Art Dubai 2026 will return to Madinat Jumeirah from April 15 to 19, bringing together international galleries, artists and cultural programmes for the fair's landmark 20th anniversary edition.
The annual event has become one of the region's most prominent cultural gatherings, showcasing contemporary, modern and digital art while highlighting emerging voices from across the global art community.
This year's edition will feature more than 120 exhibitors, alongside installations, performances and curated discussions designed to expand the experience beyond the traditional gallery format.
Organisers say the fair will once again transform Madinat Jumeirah into a dynamic cultural space, with artworks, live interventions and immersive experiences activating the venue throughout the event.
Art Dubai Galleries
The Art Dubai Galleries section will present exhibitors known for strong curatorial programmes and innovative artistic practices.
The selection committee for the 2026 edition includes Andrée Sfeir-Semler (Sfeir-Semler Gallery), Priyanka Raja (Experimenter) and Selma Feriani (Selma Feriani Gallery), helping shape the final list of participating galleries.
The section will focus on artists whose work encourages cultural dialogue and explores contemporary artistic expression.
Bawwaba
The Bawwaba section, which means "gateway" in Arabic, will spotlight solo presentations of newly produced work by emerging and mid-career artists.
Curated by Amal Khalaf, the programme explores themes such as belonging, movement, resilience and cultural identity, with galleries presenting works that experiment with materials, research and storytelling.
Zamaniyyat
A dedicated platform titled Zamaniyyat, inspired by the Arabic word zaman meaning "time", will revisit artists who helped shape modern artistic movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.
Curated by Dr Sarah A. Rifky, the programme will feature 11 galleries and 45 artists from more than 20 countries, exploring how artistic ideas developed across different regions and historical moments.
Art Dubai Digital
The Art Dubai Digital programme will also return, highlighting the growing influence of digital and immersive art.
Curated by Ulrich Schrauth and Nadine Khalil, the 2026 theme — "Myth of the Digital" — will present works including AI-driven installations, interactive screen-based pieces and digital sculpture, examining how technology shapes contemporary creative practice.
Bawwaba Extended
A new section for 2026, Bawwaba Extended, will bring interdisciplinary works across the entire fair.
Curated by Amal Khalaf and Alexie Glass-Kantor, the programme will feature installations, moving image, sound works and public interventions designed to transform the venue into a site of artistic experimentation.
A Global Cultural Platform
Since its launch in 2007, Art Dubai has played a significant role in connecting regional artists with international audiences and collectors.
The 2026 edition, celebrating the fair's 20th year, is expected to continue that mission by bringing together artists, galleries and cultural leaders from around the world.
Tickets for Art Dubai 2026 had not yet been released at the time of publication, with further details expected closer to the event.
