Art Dubai Opens Landmark 20th Edition to the Public Today

Art Dubai will open to the public today, May 15, 2026, at Madinat Jumeirah, with a 20th anniversary edition that celebrates and honours the artists, galleries and institutions that have been central to the two decades of unprecedented growth in the UAE’s creative industries.

Taking place in a modified format at Madinat Jumeirah, the 2026 program foregrounds the galleries, institutions and communities that have shaped the region’s art scene and market, and features over 100 presentations from commercial galleries, institutional participants and partners. Running until Sunday 17 May, the event is free for all to attend, made possible through the support of Dubai Culture.

For 20 years, Art Dubai has championed the artists, galleries and collectors whose voices, ideas and practices have built and sustained the region’s cultural landscape. This special edition reflects both that history and the present moment, bringing together a program that builds on the fair’s core strengths of independence, deep local and regional roots and diverse global perspectives.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), inaugurated the 20th edition of Art Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah on May 14, ahead of its public opening from May 15-17.

Marking two decades since its establishment, this special edition of Art Dubai reflects the fair’s evolution alongside Dubai’s artistic journey and reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading global centre for culture, the arts, and the creative economy. The edition brings together galleries, artists, institutions, and cultural partners from across the region and the world through a program that highlights collaboration, exchange, and diverse creative perspectives.

“For twenty years, Art Dubai has reflected the ambition and cultural openness that continue to shape Dubai’s identity,” Sheikha Latifa said. “What began as an art fair has evolved into a platform that brings together artists, institutions, collectors, and communities from around the world, fostering dialogue and expanding the role of culture within society. This special edition is particularly significant as it reflects both the evolution of Art Dubai and the maturity and resilience of the wider creative ecosystem that has developed around it over the past two decades. It demonstrates what can be achieved when creativity is supported by long-term vision, collaboration, and a shared belief in the value of culture as a driver of connection, opportunity, and progress.”

During her tour, H.H. visited a number of gallery presentations and program highlights, including Made Forward, a major presentation from the Dubai Collection exploring themes of belonging, memory, and the making of place through works drawn from more than 20 private collections across the UAE, including artworks from the collection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Highness’ personal collection.

Accompanying H.H. during the tour were Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director at Art Dubai Group; Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director at Art Dubai Group; and Dunja Gottweis, Director at Art Dubai Fair.

“Art Dubai’s story is Dubai’s story, and this special edition demonstrates the power of collaboration and long-term partnerships,” Ghione said. “We are proud to present a special edition of Art Dubai that reflects our history, our deep local and regional roots, and the decades-long commitment of those who have been instrumental in building this region’s unique cultural ecosystem. Culture breaks down barriers and brings people together, and this edition of Art Dubai opens at a moment when convening feels more important than ever.”

Complementing the gallery presentations, this special edition of Art Dubai presents a program of exhibitions, large-scale installations, commissions, performances and screenings alongside a daily program of talks and conversations.

During the tour, Sheikha Latifa also visited an exhibition of modern Arab art presented by the Barjeel Art Foundation, in addition to a series of large-scale installations, commissions, and site-responsive artworks presented throughout the fair. She also met with a number of artists and representatives of local and international galleries, as well as participating partners and cultural institutions.

Art Dubai 2026 edition features over 75 presentations by galleries, institutional participants, and program partners, with strong regional representation alongside international exhibitors from nearly 20 countries. Presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and supported by leading cultural institutions, the program includes exhibitions, installations, commissions, talks, screenings, performances, and daily activations across the site.