Frieze expands to Abu Dhabi, redefining the regional art map
The announcement of Frieze Abu Dhabi marks a defining moment for the region’s cultural landscape. Through a partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Frieze, the emirate’s long-standing art fair will evolve into one of the world’s most influential platforms. The move not only amplifies Abu Dhabi’s role on the global art calendar but also symbolises a strategic alignment between regional legacy and international visibility.
From Abu Dhabi Art to Frieze Abu Dhabi
For 17 years, Abu Dhabi Art has been a cornerstone of the Middle Eastern art scene. It has cultivated dialogue, discovery, and trust among collectors, artists, and institutions. The fair’s evolution into Frieze Abu Dhabi represents both continuity and transformation: an acknowledgement of what has been built, and a bold step towards expanding its influence across continents.
Anchored in the capital’s established ecosystem, its museums, residencies, and academic institutions, this transition builds upon foundations already respected worldwide. It signals that Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions have matured from regional leadership to global participation.
Strengthening the region’s art infrastructure
The collaboration with Frieze arrives at a time when Gulf markets are redefining the art economy. With Dubai’s commercial galleries gaining international traction and Qatar’s museum acquisitions reshaping curatorial standards, Abu Dhabi’s move strengthens the UAE’s collective position as a global cultural destination.
Under DCT Abu Dhabi’s guidance, the emirate has already invested heavily in long-term cultural infrastructure, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The introduction of a Frieze fair adds another essential layer: a global stage that connects local narratives to the world’s most discerning collectors and curators.
What the partnership represents
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the partnership as “a natural evolution” of the emirate’s vision, placing dialogue and creativity at its centre. In parallel, Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, noted how Abu Dhabi’s cultural leadership and world-class institutions provide a foundation for a fair with genuine international resonance.
For Frieze, the partnership is also symbolic. It is the first major initiative since its change of ownership, and its presence in the Gulf consolidates the fair’s reach across Europe, the US, and Asia. For Abu Dhabi, it offers access to Frieze’s global networks, advisory communities, and institutional relationships, accelerating cross-cultural exchange and collecting activity.
A shared language of discovery and dialogue
Unlike other expansions driven purely by market potential, Frieze Abu Dhabi emphasises curatorial dialogue. The fair will retain the spirit of discovery that defined its predecessor, while bringing in Frieze’s established expertise in artist-led programming, talks, and commissions.
This blend of regional authenticity and international collaboration offers something rare in the global fair ecosystem: a model that prioritises artistic integrity over volume. By championing the voices of both emerging and established artists from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, Frieze Abu Dhabi is poised to redefine how cultural exchange unfolds across hemispheres.
The road to 2026
The inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi will take place in November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, welcoming galleries from across the region and beyond. Deutsche Bank, Frieze’s long-standing global partner, will continue its role, providing financial continuity and institutional recognition.
In the meantime, the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Art will proceed as planned under its current format, offering galleries and collectors a final chapter before the transition. This measured approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s characteristic patience: a commitment to building legacy through stability rather than disruption.
A bridge between cultures, markets, and moments
As the Gulf continues to attract global attention, this partnership embodies more than expansion. It speaks to how regional cultural policy can align with international expertise to produce meaningful impact. For collectors, advisors, and investors, it also highlights the increasing sophistication of the Middle Eastern art market, one grounded in collaboration rather than competition.
For Zurani, this moment underscores the region’s maturity as an investment destination. The intersection of Frieze’s global reach and Abu Dhabi’s curatorial vision creates fertile ground for long-term cultural and financial growth. It is a signal to collectors worldwide: the Gulf is not emerging; it has arrived.
If you wish to acquire or build art portfolios aligned with major market movements, our team at Zurani can assist. Contact us at +971 58 593 5523 or email contact@zurani.com to discuss tailored art advisory and investment strategies.
Source:
[Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Media Office, 2025]
