Abu Dhabi Art 2025: Global Galleries & Diverse Art on Show

The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art is set to take place from 19 to 23 November 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This annual event, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has grown over the years to become the UAE’s most important platform for contemporary art, connecting local and global creative communities.

A Record-Breaking Art Fair

This year, the fair will welcome more than 140 galleries from 37 countries and 52 cities, showcasing over 2,000 artworks by more than 600 artists. The 2025 edition emphasizes vibrant and emerging art scenes from Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Türkiye, while also featuring first-time participants from Senegal, Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania.

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His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of this edition, saying:

"The upcoming edition of Abu Dhabi Art Fair promises to be the most ambitious yet, featuring a record number of galleries from around the world. Over the years, the fair has evolved into the region’s most influential platform for art and ideas, a cultural moment where the UAE’s pioneering spirit engages with the global art community."

This statement reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global art hub and its commitment to fostering creative dialogue between local and international artists.

International and Debut Galleries

Among the established international galleries attending are Pace, Richard Saltoun Gallery, Mennour, Hanart TZ Gallery, and ATHR. This year, several galleries will participate for the first time, including Loft Art Gallery, Galeria RGR, Paul Hughes Fine Arts, and EQTNA. Participation has grown by 40% compared to last year, signaling the increasing interest in Abu Dhabi as a major destination for art collectors and enthusiasts.

Focus on Diverse Art Narratives

Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, emphasized the fair’s mission:

"This dynamic line-up of 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. Our curatorial focus continues to center under-represented art histories and foster equity in global art narratives."

The 2025 fair highlights artists from various regions, including pioneers from the Peruvian Amazon, Venezuela, and Brazil, modernists from Türkiye, contemporary artists from Nigeria’s Osogbo art movement, leading Khaleeji artists, modern artists from North Africa, and influential artists from China.

Nigeria Spotlight: Celebrating Contemporary Art

One of the main highlights of the fair is the Nigeria Spotlight, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. This section features six leading galleries from Nigeria, reflecting the country's rich and dynamic contemporary art scene. Nigerian artists explore themes like identity, politics, history, and place, using diverse mediums from mixed-media works to figurative painting and conceptual installations.

Participating galleries in this section include:

• SOTO Gallery

• AMG Gallery

• Returning exhibitor kó

• O’DA Gallery

• 1897 Gallery

• Windsor Gallery

• Imora Gallery

• Special project MADhouse by Tikera Africa

This initiative is part of Nigeria Everywhere, a program aiming to increase global recognition for Nigerian creativity and expose new audiences to the country's rich cultural output.

Modern Türkiye Focus

The fair also introduces a Modern Türkiye section curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako, highlighting rarely seen works by modern Turkish masters. Featured galleries and artists include:

• DG Art Gallery and Projects, featuring works by Fahrelnissa Zeid

• Art On Istanbul Gallery, spotlighting Burhan Doğançay

• BüroSarigedik, presenting Gülsün Karamustafa and Cengiz Çekil

This section brings a fresh perspective to the fair by presenting artworks that are seldom seen outside Türkiye, allowing visitors to experience Turkey’s modern art heritage in an international context.

The Gulf Region: Khaleeji Art

Several galleries will showcase the finest Khaleeji artists, reflecting the vibrant local art scene. Participating galleries include:

• Gallery Isabelle (featuring Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, and Alia Zaal)

• Wusum Gallery (Tarek Darwish)

• Hunna Art (Alymamah Rashed, Joud Fahmy, Zayn Qahtani)

• SAPAR Contemporary (Rashid Al-Khalifa)

• Iris Projects (Nasser Al Salem, Juma Al Haj, Shamsa Al Omaira)

• Hafez Gallery (Sami Al Marzoogi, Sara Alabdali, Raeda Ashour)

This sector celebrates the region’s artistic achievements while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for contemporary Gulf art.

Collectors’ Salon

Returning this year is the Collectors’ Salon, curated by Roxane Zand, former Deputy Chair at Sotheby’s Middle East. This section features renowned participants including:

• Kent Antiques

• Daniel Crouch Rare Books

• INLIBRIS

• Almine Rech

• Perrotin

Collectors’ Salon serves as an important platform for connecting global collectors, art institutions, and gallery representatives.

ALDAR Hall: Supporting Growth

This year, ALDAR Properties has introduced a newly repurposed space at the entrance of Manarat Al Saadiyat called ALDAR Hall. This space supports the fair’s rapid expansion, hosting galleries from the Gulf Focus section as well as those from West Asia and North Africa (WANA). ALDAR Hall will also welcome two new participants from West Africa, including:

• Loft Art Gallery

• Comptoir de Mines Galerie (Morocco)

• Yosr Ben Ammar Gallery (Tunisia)

• OH Gallery (Senegal)

• Galerie Farah Fakhri (Ivory Coast)

This expansion ensures that more artists and galleries can be showcased, reflecting Abu Dhabi Art’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

A Cultural Landmark

Abu Dhabi Art continues to be a major cultural landmark in the UAE. Over its 17 editions, it has evolved into a platform that not only showcases art but also encourages dialogue between artists, collectors, curators, and the public. By highlighting underrepresented voices and fostering cross-cultural exchange, the fair strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for art and culture.

Visitors to the 2025 edition will experience a wide variety of contemporary artworks, from paintings and sculptures to installations and digital media. With galleries representing Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, the fair truly represents a global perspective on contemporary art.

Abu Dhabi Art 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for both art lovers and casual visitors. By combining local talent, international galleries, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusivity, this year’s fair showcases the best of what the global art world has to offer.

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