Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the twentieth edition of آرت دبي concluded with record-breaking sales and global acclaim. This year’s event attracted a vibrant audience, underscoring Dubai’s burgeoning status as a cultural hub. Spanning four days, the exhibition showcased strong sales performance from participating galleries, drawing renowned museums, institutions, and collectors from Dubai, the region, and beyond.
A Grand Celebration of Art
The twentieth iteration of آرت دبي took place at Madinat Jumeirah from May 14 to 17, celebrating artists, galleries, and institutions that have significantly contributed to the remarkable growth of creative industries in the UAE over the last two decades. The event welcomed over 25,000 visitors, setting a new attendance record for the public exhibition days. It received widespread praise for highlighting a new generation of resident creators in the UAE and honoring their artistic contributions.
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority served as the strategic partner for the fair, in collaboration with AR M Holdings. The development firm Huna also partnered with the exhibition, which took place at the picturesque Madinat Jumeirah. The next edition of آرت دبي is confirmed to return to the same venue from April 7 to 11, 2027.
Collective Efforts Yielding Results
Reflecting on the event, Benedetta Ghion, Executive Director of آرت دبي, remarked, “This special edition of آرت دبي embodied the spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai’s cultural scene. Its success is a testament to the collective efforts of artists, galleries, partners, and cultural institutions. What we witnessed this week reflects Dubai’s growing presence on the global art map and the role of culture in fostering dialogue and connection between communities.”
This iteration of آرت دبي was characterized by a deep connection to its surrounding region, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading commercial art hub. The exhibitions ranged from contemporary to modern and digital artistic practices, featuring international galleries that have supported the region for decades, alongside local spaces pivotal in shaping its cultural landscape. Participants frequently noted the strength of the local collecting scene and the robust support from Dubai’s art community.
A Diverse Global Audience
Franco Nuyro, founder of the Franco Nuyro Gallery in Turin, shared, “Since our first participation in آرت دبي in 2014, we have recognized the dynamic art movement in the region, complemented by exceptional artists and a culturally rich scene that values long-term investment. Our return this year, despite challenges, has been extraordinary, especially given the high level of awareness and expertise among collectors in Dubai.”
Meanwhile, Taimur Grahan, who opened his gallery in Dubai in 2025, noted, “This year’s آرت دبي was an exceptional experience across the board. We were thrilled to present a solo booth for Emirati artist Roudha Al Mazrouei, with all works sold within the first hours of the exhibition. A remarkable atmosphere of closeness and communication prevailed among participants from Dubai and the broader region, making it wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar faces. We experienced substantial interest from collectors residing in Dubai, representing diverse nationalities and backgrounds from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the United States, France, Canada, and others.”
Miliha Tabari, founder of Tabari Art Space, emphasized, “This year, آرت دبي celebrates its twentieth anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the region. From the outset, the exhibition has played a crucial role in elevating the arts of the Middle East and North Africa to a global audience. Sales surpassed our expectations, but what struck us more was the depth of engagement and genuine interest shown by collectors, curators, and visitors toward the artworks. Organizing the exhibition created a genuine space for dialogue, connection, and reflection, showcasing what the آرت دبي team has successfully built over the years.”
Mohammed Hafez, co-founder of Ather Gallery, echoed these sentiments, stating, “آرت دبي and Ather have grown together. Artist Rami Farouk began his journey with the first edition of the fair and returned this year for its twentieth anniversary with a solo show titled ‘Inshallah Khair,’ a tribute to Dubai and the region. What started as a joint effort to build a regional art ecosystem has now transformed into a global platform. This special edition underscores the fact that the region is no longer on the margins of the global art scene; it has become central to it. We are grateful for such a successful edition and proud to be part of this important moment.”