Inside Art Basel Qatar’s inaugural edition
Galleries, public art and the curatorial direction shaping the fair’s debut
What is Art Basel Qatar?
Art Basel Qatar is the newest addition to the Art Basel global network and is set to make its debut in Doha in February 2026. Developed in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, the fair is a significant new platform that connects artistic practices from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond with the international art market.
The inaugural edition brings together 87 galleries from 31 countries and territories, presenting works by 84 artists, with more than half originating from the region. Alongside its central Galleries sector, Art Basel Qatar introduces an expansive Special Projects programme that extends beyond traditional fair settings into public spaces across Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Curated by Artistic Director Wael Shawky in close collaboration with Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Art Basel Fairs, the Special Projects programme is the most extensive public art presentation ever staged as part of an Art Basel show. Nine large-scale installations, sculptures and performances will unfold across key cultural venues and outdoor sites, responding to ‘Becoming’, the fair’s overarching theme.
"Working with this extraordinary group of galleries and artists for the first edition of Art Basel Qatar is both a privilege and a milestone. Each presentation brings a practice that is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the Gulf and its extended geographies, while also pushing conversations forward in bold and unexpected ways.”, said Wael Shawky, Artistic Director.
Across both the Galleries and Special Projects, artists explore transformation in material, social and conceptual terms, addressing themes such as transition, displacement, environmental change and identity. The programme places particular emphasis on practices rooted in the MENASA region while remaining globally resonant, reflecting Art Basel’s approach to developing fairs in close dialogue with their host cities.
Participating artists in the Special Projects include Abraham Cruzvillegas, Bruce Nauman, Hassan Khan, Khalil Rabah, Nalini Malani, Nour Jaouda, Rayyane Tabet, Sumayya Vally and Sweat Variant. Their works span film, architecture, performance, sculpture and sound, transforming Msheireb Downtown Doha into an open-ended exhibition landscape that invites sustained public engagement.
The Galleries sector further deepens this exploration through focused presentations by leading international and regional galleries. Highlights include works by artists such as Etel Adnan, Mona Hatoum, Hassan Sharif, Simone Fattal, Shirin Neshat, Lynda Benglis and Sophia Al-
Maria, positioning the fair as a significant meeting point for historical, modern and contemporary practices.
Art Basel Qatar also coincides with a wide programme of exhibitions and public art initiatives across Qatar Museums venues, reinforcing Doha’s role as a regional and international cultural hub.
When is Art Basel Qatar?
Art Basel Qatar will take place from 5 to 7 February 2026, with preview days on 3 and 4 February 2026.
Where is Art Basel Qatar held?
The fair will be held across Msheireb Downtown Doha, with primary venues including M7 and the Doha Design District, as well as additional public and cultural sites throughout the area.
Visit: artbasel.com
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
