Frieze Announces Launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi in 2026
Abu Dhabi is set to take its place firmly on the global art map with the announcement that Abu Dhabi Art will evolve into Frieze Abu Dhabi in November 2026. This new partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the internationally renowned Frieze art fair group signals a bold step forward for the emirate’s cultural ambitions.
For nearly two decades, Abu Dhabi Art has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar. Established galleries, emerging artists, and international collectors have long looked to the fair as a platform for discovery, dialogue, and exchange. Over the years, it has leveraged Abu Dhabi’s world-class museums, dynamic artist residencies, and cultural institutions to build a reputation for credibility and creativity, attracting a diverse and cosmopolitan audience from around the world.
The transition to Frieze Abu Dhabi represents a natural evolution of this legacy. By bringing the Frieze brand and its international network to the emirate, the fair will extend its reach, creating new opportunities for regional and global artists alike. While the fair will continue to celebrate Abu Dhabi’s local and regional talent, the partnership introduces a global perspective, reinforcing the city’s role as a cultural hub in the Middle East.
©️Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi ©️ دائرة الثقافة والسياحة - أبوظبي
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the collaboration as a “natural evolution” of Abu Dhabi Art, one that builds on its achievements and carries them onto the global stage. “Together, we are creating a fair that is not only international in reach but also deeply connected to the values and strengths of Abu Dhabi,” he said. From the Frieze perspective, CEO Simon Fox highlighted the emirate’s cultural leadership and the opportunity to amplify its achievements through Frieze’s global platform. The fair aims to champion artistic practices from the region while fostering meaningful conversations and collaborations across the international art world.
The inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, within the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a number of other world-class cultural institutions. Deutsche Bank, the fair’s long-standing global lead partner, will continue its support for the Abu Dhabi edition, underscoring the event’s significance and reach.
While the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Art will proceed under its current format, the 2026 transformation marks the beginning of a new chapter. Frieze Abu Dhabi promises a distinctive approach, highlighting artist-led projects, innovative practices, and a focus on discovery and dialogue that reflects both local creativity and international trends. Leading galleries from the Middle East and beyond will be invited to participate, blending regional perspectives with global engagement.
Manarat Al Saadiyat at night. Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Art.
The launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi also comes at a time of growing competition and investment in the Gulf’s art scene. The region has increasingly attracted major galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions, with Abu Dhabi seeking to position itself as a vibrant alternative to its neighbours. By aligning with Frieze, the emirate is not only reinforcing its commitment to the arts but also strengthening its status as a cultural destination on the global stage.
As the art world looks ahead to 2026, Frieze Abu Dhabi promises to be a defining moment for the region. It will provide a platform for local and regional artists to connect with collectors, curators, and institutions worldwide, while contributing to the UAE’s growing cultural ecosystem. With its blend of innovation, international reach, and rooted connection to Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity, the fair is set to become a must-visit event on the global art calendar.
Frieze Abu Dhabi is more than a rebranding—it is a bold statement of the emirate’s vision for the future, where culture, creativity, and global engagement converge in one of the world’s fastest-growing art capitals.
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