From 19 to 23 November, the 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat, a hub of culture and creativity.
More than just an exhibition space, it’s where international ideas meet local voices and where art is meant to be seen, felt and experienced.
This event brings together a vibrant mix of emerging and established artists, curators, galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts. Drawing top international galleries including Pace, Richard Saltoun Gallery, Mennour, Hanart TZ Gallery, and ATHR.
This year, they’re joined by first-time exhibitors such as Loft Art Gallery, RGR, Pedro Cera, and EQTNA Rare Books. The number of participating galleries has increased by 40% compared to last year, a strong sign of Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in both institutional and private art circles.
For this year’s edition, internationally acclaimed artist Issam Kourbaj is curating the Beyond Emerging Artists programme, mentoring three rising UAE-based multidisciplinary artists: Alla Abdunabi, Salmah Almansoori and Maktoum Marwan Al Maktoum. Inspired by Al Ain, their new commissions delve into themes of memory, identity, materiality and layered histories. These powerful works will debut at the fair and will eventually be featured on international platforms.
Adding to the fair's visual identity this year is the bold aesthetic of Emirati artist Sheikha Al Mazrou. Represented by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery in Dubai, her work sets the tone for this year’s visual campaign, echoing the fair's spirit of borderless creativity and cultural depth, a perfect reflection of Abu Dhabi’s steadfast push for artistic reinvention.
You can expect to see over 60 galleries from across the globe, with a strong presence from the UAE and the wider MENA region including Central and East Asia. Amid this global mix, Emirati artists shine bright, each bringing their unique perspectives to the artscape.
The fair is all about interaction, immersion and personal experiences, think augmented reality, multimedia storytelling and installations you can walk through and even co-create. The fun isn't limited to Manarat Al Saadiyat either. Offsite works will pop up at iconic spots like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Cultural Foundation, making your experience of both the fair and the city varied, thrilling and multi-spatial.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the fair is big on community and education. It offers an epic programme of talks, panels and workshops, giving you an intimate look at the artists’ creative processes and concepts. Families and children can also enjoy live performances, storytelling sessions and hands-on art-making activities. Overall, it’s an inclusive and layered event designed to spark thoughtful and hands-on creative explorations whilst making memories in a blooming cultural community.
Just 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Manarat Al Saadiyat is easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, and public transport - convenient for both local and international visitors.
Surrounded by cultural landmarks such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Manarat is at the heart of the city’s vibrant art scene. Abu Dhabi Art 2025 unfolds here as a celebration of both local and global creativity, reinforcing the capital’s growing influence as a leading force in the international art and culture arena.
Visit: abudhabiart.ae
Sneha is a renaissance gal with a passion for all things classic and contemporary. A lover of writing, art, luxury and film, she finds joy in museums, immersive experiences, and creating art with words. When she's not romanticizing life on Pinterest or in real life, you'll find her sipping chai by the waters with a cat on her lap.
