The seventeenth edition of the Emirati fair opens its doors today until the 23rd of November.
The days in which Abu Dhabi Art could still be described as an emerging fair are long gone. Now in its seventeenth year, the event stands as a genuinely global crossroads where the Emirati art scene engages in an ever-widening international dialogue. The 2025 edition reinforces this trajectory, bringing together more than 140 galleries from 37 countries — a sign that its ambition to become a global cultural hub is steadily taking shape.
Since its launch in 2009, Abu Dhabi Art has successfully combined market dynamics with cultural engagement, distinguishing itself from many commercially oriented fairs through a considered, evolving curatorial approach. The growing presence of thematic sections, institutional collaborations and specially commissioned projects has helped shape an identity based on balance rather than spectacle.
A significant transformation awaits the fair in 2026. Indeed, its eighteenth edition will adopt the name Frieze Abu Dhabi, as officially announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Frieze.
This transition aims to merge Frieze’s international network with the cultural ecosystem of the Emirates, opening a new phase in the fair’s development and global positioning.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the 2025 edition is the widening geographical scope of its artistic representation. Alongside Nigeria, Türkiye and the Gulf region, galleries from Algeria, Senegal, the Netherlands, Peru and Tanzania are taking part for the first time. The number of exhibitors has risen by nearly 40% compared with 2024, reflecting both institutional commitment and the growing interest of private collectors.
Italy’s presence is prominent this year: Mazzoleni, Galleria Continua, Galleria Umberto Di Marino, Galleria Franco Noero and Studio G7 bring a multifaceted view of Italian research and practice.
In addition, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute, in collaboration with Mazzoleni, present “The Roots of 20th and 21st Century Italian Art”, a survey featuring works by Giorgio de Chirico, Lucio Fontana, Enrico Castellani, Agostino Bonalumi, Giorgio Morandi, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Salvo — artists seldom seen in the Emirates.
The Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Fanara remarked, “This exhibition reaffirms our belief that cultural diplomacy can build bridges between societies. Presenting it in such an international context allows Italian art to engage with global audiences and collectors.”
An event strongly supported by the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, Susanna Iacona-Salafia: “These works are not merely historical artefacts; they remain vital tools for understanding the present and imagining the future of artistic exchange between Italy and the Gulf.”
Among the most renowned international galleries participating in this edition are Pace Gallery, showcasing a selection spanning modern sculpture, contemporary works, and digital installation, and Opera Gallery, presenting works by prominent modern, post-war, and contemporary masters. On the local front, Salwa Zeidan Gallery represents one of the UAE’s longstanding artistic voices.
The Beyond Emerging Artists 2025 programme supports three young Emirati talents — Alla Abdunabi, Salmah Almansoori and Maktoum Marwan Al Maktoum — providing mentoring and commissions for site-specific works to be shown at the fair and in partner venues.
This year’s Global Focus Sectors aim to amplify underrepresented narratives. Nigeria Spotlight brings together SOTO Gallery, AMG Projects, kó, O’DA Gallery, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery and Ishara Gallery. Modern Türkiye, curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako, includes DG Art Gallery & Projects (Fahrelnissa Zeid), Art On Istanbul Gallery (Burhan Doğançay) and BüroSarigedik (Gülsün Karamustafa, Cengiz Çekil). The Gulf Region Focus highlights key Khaleeji artists through Gallery Isabelle, Wusum Gallery, Iris Projects, SAPAR Contemporary, Hafez Gallery and Albareh Art Gallery.
The Collectors’ Salon, curated by Roxane Zand — formerly Deputy Chair of Sotheby’s Middle East — returns with participants including Kent Antiques, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, INLIBRIS, Almine Rech and Perrotin, creating a bridge between historical and contemporary collecting.
Among the infrastructural developments for 2025 is the addition of Aldar Hall, a newly adapted entrance space at Manarat Al Saadiyat dedicated to galleries from the Gulf, North Africa and West Africa — a tangible sign of the fair’s ongoing growth.
Far from being simply an expanded edition, Abu Dhabi Art 2025 represents a turning point, setting the stage for even greater creativity, dialogue, and connections in the next edition as Frieze Abu Dhabi.
by Katya Marletta