Art Dubai, the region’s most influential international art fair, is set to return for its 18th edition from April 18 to 20, 2025, at its iconic home in Madinat Jumeirah. With preview days on April 16 and 17, this year’s fair promises a dynamic showcase of global creativity, cutting-edge digital art, and thought-provoking programming, making it a must-visit event for art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural leaders alike.
A Global Fair with a Regional Soul
One of Art Dubai’s defining features is its unique geographic and cultural scope. Unlike other major international fairs, Art Dubai puts a strong emphasis on the Global South, creating space for artists and galleries from the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America to take center stage.
The fair is divided into four curated sections:
- Contemporary: Cutting-edge works from today’s leading artists
- Modern: Celebrating pioneers of 20th-century Middle Eastern and Global South art
- Bawwaba: A gateway section spotlighting solo presentations from emerging voices
- Digital: Exploring the ever-evolving world of digital and crypto art
Highlights and Programming
- Global Art Forum: This year’s talks programme, the most extensive of any international art fair, includes the renowned Global Art Forum, themed “The New New Normal,” and the second edition of the Art Dubai Digital Summit. Attendees can expect a diverse roster of speakers, from Modern Arab scholars to international artists and innovators.
- Performances and Installations: Site-specific works will take center stage, including performances by Mexican artist Héctor Zamora, a large-scale installation by Ania Soliman addressing Beirut’s energy crisis, and a new project by Total Arts at the Courtyard.
- Digital Art: The Digital section will debut major new works by Ouchhh Studio, Breakfast, Jacopo Di Cera, and HX Collective, exploring the intersection of technology and pressing contemporary issues.
- Education and Community: The A.R.M Holding Children’s Programme, the UAE’s largest, returns for its fifth edition, led by artists Peju Alatise and Alia Hussain Lootah. This year’s focus is on celebrating local ecosystems and exploring ecologies through art.
- After Dark: Each evening, the Art Bar transforms into a vibrant social hub with “After Dark,” featuring international and local DJs spinning disco, funk, and world dance music.
Art Dubai isn’t just another stop on the international art circuit — it’s a unique, regionally rooted, globally connected celebration of creativity. It champions voices that are often overlooked in the mainstream and builds bridges between cultures, ideas, and generations. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious newcomer, or simply a lover of art and ideas, Art Dubai 2025 promises a rich, rewarding experience that goes far beyond the gallery walls.
Event Detail
– Dates: April 18–20, 2025 (Preview: April 16–17)
– Venue: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
– Time:
- April 18 & 19: 2 PM – 9 PM
- April 20: 12 PM – 6 PM (with VIP access from 10 AM)
– Tickets:
- 1-Day ticket: AED 100 (Valid for April 18, 19 or 20)
- 3-Day ticket: AED 200 (Valid for April 18 – 20)