Art Dubai’s Revised Edition in May 2026 reflects UAE’s Cultural Resilience

Art Dubai, one of Middle East’s premier art fairs, will be held in Madinat Jumeirah from May 15 to 17, 2026, with a private preview on May 14th, only by invitation. These new dates were revised when the earlier programme scheduled from April 18 to 20, 2026 was postponed due to the US-Israel and Iran conflict. Art Dubai’s special 20th edition represents art that brings together history and contemporary moments through a focused programme, that builds on the core strengths of independence, regional roots and diverse global perspectives.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Art Dubai for 20 years has been championing artists, galleries and collectors, whose voices, ideas and practices have built and sustained the region’s cultural landscape.

Taking place in a modified format at Madinat Jumeirah, the 2026 programme will highlight galleries, institutions, and communities that have shaped the region’s art scenes and market. It will feature over 75 presentations from commercial galleries, institutional participants and partners. Dubai Culture will be the strategical partner of this special edition, presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding.

Maryam Lamei, Birds Are Gathered in God, Leila Heller Gallery (pic courtesy Art Dubai)

The fare will also include an expanded institutional programme developed in collaboration with UAE’s leading cultural institutions including the Al Serkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Barjeel Foundation, Dubai Collection and the Sharjah Art Foundation. Special programmes include exhibitions, large scale installations, performances, talks and screenings with free entry for all visitors.

“Art Dubai has always been more than a conventional art fair, developing into an international platform for this region’s cultural scene as it matures. This special edition will demonstrate the resilience of UAE’s cultural scene as well as the power of collaboration, bringing together galleries, artists and institutions at a time when that role of convening feels more important than ever,” said Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director, Art Dubai Group.

Through its partnerships with government, the private sector and cultural partners Art Dubai is deeply embedded in the city’s creative ecology, and is committed to developing long-term initiatives that reflect Dubai’s cultural ambitions and diverse communities. Presented in partnership with UAE’s leading institutions, the programme highlights include Made Forward, a major presentation from Dubai Collection — the city’s first institutional collection of modern and contemporary art. The 20th edition of Art Dubai’s flagship Global Art Forum, commissioned by Shumon Basar. An exhibition of modern Arab art from the Barjeel Art Foundation, featuring highlights from the collection. A performance-led programme with the Sharjah Art Foundation. A programme of large-scale installations, new commissions and site-responsive artworks including works by Khalid Al Banna, Hashel Al Lamki, Rashid Bin Shabib and Ahmed Bin Shabib, Rami Farook, Kevork Mourad, Yaw Owusu, Neda Razavipour, and Sudarshan Shetty.

Najat Makki’s The Scent of Memories, Aisha Alabbar Gallery (pic courtesy Art Dubai)

“This special edition of Art Dubai brings together galleries from nearly 20 countries with strong representation from the region and internationally. This is a testament to the unique role Art Dubai has played over two decades in supporting and sustaining Dubai as the centre of the region’s art market. Spanning contemporary, modern and digital practices, the gallery programme offers a breadth of perspectives, from emerging artists to more established names alongside significant historical presentations. What stands out is the strength and intent of these presentations, galleries are showing ambitious, considered work, reflecting both the depth of the region and its connections across a wider set of cultural contexts,” said Dunja Gottweis, Director, Art Dubai Fair. 

Along with daily activations, talks and live moments across the fair site, a programme of moving image works co-curated with Alserkal Avenue, will be screened at both venues. “Developed in collaboration with leading cultural institutions across the UAE and the region, the programme brings different forms of practice into dialogue, and invites audiences to spend time, engage, and encounter work in unexpected ways,” said Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director, Curatorial, Art Dubai Group.

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