Middle Eastern art market is gaining global prominence

Middle eastern art market

The Middle East is no longer a peripheral player in the global art market; it’s shaping its future

In recent years, the Middle East has emerged as a powerful force in the global art world. Once considered peripheral to the Western art market, the region is now a growing hub for contemporary artists, major institutions, and serious collectors. With increasing state support and international attention, its cultural capital continues to grow.

For investors and collectors alike, this shift matters. Understanding how the Middle Eastern art market is evolving can reveal opportunities for diversification, cultural engagement, and long-term financial returns. At Zurani, we support clients in navigating this changing landscape, offering access, insight, and strategic guidance for building regionally focused collections.

Middle eastern art market in dubai
Middle Eastern art market in Dubai

Institutional investment is reshaping regional visibility

Galleries, museums, and biennials have played a central role in legitimising the Middle Eastern art scene.
In particular, cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh have made strategic investments to position themselves as cultural leaders. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Art Foundation, and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are just a few examples of major institutions with an international reach and a regional focus.

These developments are part of a broader government-led cultural agenda. The UAE alone has invested nearly $5.3 billion into arts and culture infrastructure to reinforce its status as a global cultural hub [1]. Alongside this, art-related tourism across the region is expanding.

The Middle East and Africa generated over $3 billion in art-linked tourism in 2024, with projections indicating $3.6 billion by 2030 [2].

Art fairs such as Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art have grown in scale and credibility. Art Dubai attracted over 30,000 attendees and 120 galleries in its 2025 edition, signalling strong global engagement [3].

Zurani helps collectors identify which institutional partnerships and curatorial programmes offer the most meaningful support for long-term value and cultural positioning.

Demand is rising among regional collectors

While global interest is growing, one of the most important shifts is happening at home. A new generation of collectors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is investing in regional artists with long-term intent. These collectors are often younger, tech-savvy, and interested in aligning their collections with personal identity and cultural heritage.

This demand has already begun influencing sales. Sales of modern Middle Eastern art in the UAE trebled between 2020 and 2024, a clear sign of sustained collector appetite [4].

Zurani’s clients, from family offices to private collectors, are increasingly recognising the value of engaging with artists from their own cultural context. We support this through bespoke sourcing, artist introductions, and thematic portfolio development across both emerging and blue-chip names.

Dubai, UAE - Visitors at 'World Art Dubai' - the largest affordable retail art fair in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE – Visitors at ‘World Art Dubai’ – the largest affordable retail art fair in the Middle East

Global players are paying attention

Blue-chip galleries, auction houses, and advisory firms are now establishing deeper footprints in the Middle East.
Christie’s and Sotheby’s continue to expand operations in Dubai and Doha, while mega-galleries like Gagosian, Perrotin, and Pace have made their presence known at regional fairs or through satellite spaces.

At auction, the results match the momentum. Sotheby’s 2023 Middle Eastern art sale totalled $6.1 million, its highest since inception, with multiple works crossing $1 million [5]. Among the top lots was a piece by Mohammed Al Saleem, which sold for $1.1 million.

Meanwhile, the Iranian art market has also shown significant growth. Auction turnover reached $17.2 million between March 2024 and March 2025, with a 67% year-on-year rise in the second half of that period [6].

Zurani closely tracks these market signals to inform clients about pricing trends, institutional backing, and momentum-building moments that often precede revaluation.

The art reflects complex identities and global relevance

What makes the Middle Eastern art market particularly compelling is its depth of cultural expression. Many of the region’s contemporary artists explore themes of identity, migration, modernity, and memory. Their work speaks not only to local audiences but also resonates with global conversations around belonging, post-colonialism, and technology.

This thematic richness provides both aesthetic and narrative value for collectors. Owning a piece by a Middle Eastern artist today isn’t just a statement of taste; it’s often an investment in an emerging voice within a larger geopolitical dialogue.

As digital engagement expands, so too does the reach of these narratives. Middle Eastern online art sales generated $1.41 billion in 2024, with forecasts predicting 5% compound annual growth through 2033 [7].

At Zurani, we help collectors think beyond asset class. We guide clients towards works that not only carry financial value, but also emotional and cultural relevance, aligning investment choices with personal values and long-term legacy.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Source: WAM)

How collectors can respond to the shift

For both new and established collectors, the rise of the Middle Eastern art market presents an opportunity to think more expansively about their collections. Rather than chasing trends, investors can engage with a region that offers cultural depth, demographic momentum, and increasing international infrastructure.

Despite market fluctuations, the appetite among regional buyers remains strong. Middle Eastern collectors accounted for 23% of global demand for contemporary artworks priced above $1 million in the past year, a clear sign of commitment and capacity among local investors [8].

What to do:

  • Attend regional art fairs such as Art Dubai or Abu Dhabi Art to understand the market’s character
  • Explore advisory services like Zurani for access to credible insights and off-market opportunities
  • Consider acquiring works by emerging artists based in cities like Jeddah, Amman, or Beirut, where local scenes are growing
  • Track institutional support, as it often correlates with long-term artist value
  • Reflect on the thematic and cultural relevance of the works you invest in; these narratives often drive curatorial inclusion and market resilience

 

With offices in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Zurani is well-positioned to help you access trusted networks, make informed decisions, and curate a collection that speaks to your ambitions.

A region whose time has come

The rise of the Middle Eastern art market is not a trend. It’s a structural shift built on real momentum.
With its combination of institutional credibility, regional demand, and global curiosity, the market offers compelling opportunities for culturally engaged investment.

Collectors who engage now aren’t just acquiring works; they’re participating in the shaping of a new chapter in art history. And with thoughtful support and long-term vision, that participation can yield both emotional and financial return.

To explore tailored opportunities within the Middle Eastern art market, contact us at +971 58 593 5523, email us at contact@zurani.com, or visit our website at www.zurani.com.


Sources

1. maddoxgallery.com/news/433-emerging-markets-in-the-art-world-developments-in/

2. wsj.com/arts-culture/fine-art/middle-east-art-market-basel-qatar-45d15a90

3. maddoxgallery.com/news/433-emerging-markets-in-the-art-world-developments-in/

4. apollo-magazine.com/uae-art-market-government-dubai-basel

5. artboothgallery.com/blogs/record-prices-for-middle-eastern-art-in-2023

6. artchart.net/en/articles/the-iranian-art-market-report-1403-sh-march-2024march-2025

7. grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/online-art-market/mea

8. momaa.org/the-impact-of-middle-east-conflict-on-art-markets-and-cultural-heritage-in-2025/

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