The Dubai art scene this year has taken some major changes to its schedule. Due to the Israel-US-Iran war, most fairs and exhibitions postponed their usual March and April dates, one of them being Art Dubai. Now with less than a week to spare, the art fair is opening its doors at Madinat Jumeirah from May 15 – 17, celebrating 20 years of championing artists, galleries, and, of course, art. If you’re looking to stop by this weekend, here’s everything you should know.
Fair Timings
The fair will have a VIP preview on May 14 and will officially be open to the public from May 15 onwards. The timings are as follows:
Friday, May 15
VIP Hours: 2 PM – 4 PM
Public Hours: 4 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, May 16
2 PM – 9 PM
Sunday, May 17
VIP hours: 10 AM – 12 PM
Public hours: 12 PM – 6 PM
What to Expect
Compared to previous editions, this season will be its most comprehensive one yet. It will reflect on the fair’s 20-year history and will also showcase local, regional, and international galleries alongside artist commissions and collaborations. There will be a variety of mediums to look forward to, including art installations, screenings, textile art, and more. Overall, there will be over 75 presentations featured in this edition’s art fair.
Art Dubai has also collaborated with other art institutions in the UAE to develop collaborative programmes. These include Move Forward, a presentation from the Dubai Collection that explores how communities, traditions, and architectures shape belonging and will feature artists from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia; Moving, a programme focused on the moving image, co-curated with Alserkal Avenue and will be screened at both locations; Pulse, an exhibition presented by the Barjeel Art Foundation, focused on the history of moderned art in the Arab World; and Against Stillness, a series of live performances presented by the Sharjah Art Foundation.
There will also be live talks with artists that discuss their work, journeys, and influence that shape their practice as well as discussions with industry insiders that provide a deeper look into how art in the Arab world moves.
And finally, you can also expect pop-up stores by local talent and small businesses. These will range from clothing and jewellery to art and design publications, gifts, and more.
Galleries to Look Out For
Each exhibition will need an appropriate time to sit and chew over its feelings. But considering the scale, here is a comprehensive list of gallery presentations that showcase what Art Dubai stands for.
Agial Art Gallery
Based in Lebanon, Agial Art Gallery focuses on contemporary art from Lebanon and the wider Arab world.
Efie Gallery
Based in Dubai, Efie Gallery focuses on contemporary art by artists of African origin. Their presentation will highlight the cross-cultural exchange between Africa, the Middle East, and the world.
Galerie Frank Elbaz
Established in Paris, Galerie Frank Elbaz is committed to supporting both French and international artists across various generations. Their presentation will showcase a mix of American and Japanese art.
GVCC
The oldest gallery in Morocco, GVCC, stands as the foundation of Moroccan art. As such, their presentation will feature exclusively Moroccan artists.
Gallery One
Based in Ramallah, Palestine, Gallery One works as a platform that supports Palestinian art. Their presentation will feature both modern and contemporary artwork.
Iyad Qanazea Gallery
An independent contemporary gallery based in Abu Dhabi, Iyad Qanazea Gallery is focused on representing artists from West Asia, North Africa, South Asia and extending into the Global South at large. Their presentation at Art Dubai will feature work from artist Mohammed Al-Hawajri, a Palestinian contemporary artist.
Iregular
Based in Montreal, Canada, Iregular is a digital art studio that works on audiovisual installations, large-scale sculptures, architectural projections, and scenographies, creating interactive and immersive experiences. Their presentation at Art Dubai will feature the work of Colombian Canadian artist Daniel Iregui.
LABOR
Based in Mexico City, LABOR supports artists whose work is focused on scientific, political, and sociological research. Their previous exhibitions explore new production techniques, materials, and media in which the artists express their political and social visions and concerns. For Art Dubai, they aim to do the same, featuring the work of Spanish artist Jerónimo Elespe.
Tabari Artspace
One of the older galleries in the UAE’s art scene, Tabari Artspace, works to preserve craft traditions from the MENA region, support emerging artists, and spotlight GCC-based and female-led narratives. Their presentation will feature a mix of regional and international artists who support that mission.
Zawyeh Gallery
An independent art gallery based across Palestine and Dubai, Zawyeh Gallery supports Palestinian artists whose work explores themes of identity, displacement, and resilience. Their presentation will feature the work of Nabil Anani, a visual artist and one of the core members of the New Visions art group.
Key Information Before Entering The Fair
The fair is free and open to the public, but prior registration is required. Parking for the event is limited, and public transport is recommended. The closest metro station to the venue is Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, after which bus line 81 provides the nearest stop to the venue. Alternatively, those using public transport can also get off at the Dubai Internet City Metro Station and take bus line 88, which stops at Madinat Jumeirah 2.
For more details on exhibitions, exhibitors, and other programmes, visit the Art Dubai app. Guided tours of Art Dubai will also be available with prior registration.
