Art Dubai celebrates 20 years as Sheikha Latifa inaugurates landmark anniversary edition at Madinat Jumeirah
International galleries, artists, and institutions gather for expanded programme this year
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 20th edition of Art Dubai was inaugurated by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, at Madinat Jumeirah.
The landmark edition marks two decades since the fair’s establishment, reflecting its evolution alongside Dubai’s rapidly expanding cultural landscape.
The opening ceremony took place ahead of the fair’s public programme running from 15 to 17 May, bringing together leading galleries, artists, collectors, and cultural institutions from across the world. This year’s edition underscores Dubai’s continued rise as a global hub for the creative economy and a meeting point for artistic exchange.
Celebrating its milestone anniversary, Art Dubai presents an expanded programme designed to highlight collaboration, diversity, and the growing influence of regional and international art ecosystems.
Cultural opening
The inauguration was attended by senior cultural figures and representatives from participating institutions, highlighting the fair’s significance in Dubai’s cultural calendar. During her visit, Sheikha Latifa toured key exhibitions and installations that form part of this year’s programme, engaging directly with artists and gallery representatives.
The opening highlights included major presentations that reflect the depth of artistic practice in the region and beyond. Among these was Made Forward, presented by the Dubai Collection, which explores themes of belonging, memory, and place through works drawn from more than 20 private collections across the UAE. The display includes selected pieces from the collection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Sheikha Latifa personal collection.
Sheikha Latifa also visited an exhibition of modern Arab art presented by the Barjeel Art Foundation, alongside a series of large-scale installations and site-responsive commissions spread throughout the fair. These presentations emphasise the diversity of artistic expression and the growing dialogue between regional heritage and contemporary practice.
Two decades of Art Dubai
Marking 20 years since its inception, Art Dubai has developed into one of the most significant international art fairs in the region. Its evolution reflects Dubai’s broader cultural journey, shaped by sustained investment in the creative sector and long-term institutional development.
In her remarks, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed highlighted that the fair has grown from an art platform into a global meeting point for artists, collectors, institutions, and communities. She noted that its continued success reflects the strength of collaboration and Dubai’s commitment to fostering cultural openness.
She emphasised that the emirate’s cultural strategy is built on investing in people, ideas, and platforms that encourage exchange and creative expression. Over the past two decades, Art Dubai has become a reflection of that vision, aligning closely with the city’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global centre for culture and the creative economy.
Discussions during the tour also focused on the fair’s development over time and its expanding international reach. The presence of galleries and institutions from nearly 20 countries highlights its role in connecting diverse artistic perspectives and strengthening cross-cultural dialogue.
Fair highlights
This year’s edition features more than 75 presentations from galleries, institutional partners, and programme collaborators. The fair brings together participants from across the region and internationally, offering a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances, and live activations.
The event is presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and supported by leading cultural institutions, reinforcing the collaborative framework that underpins its programming. Across the venue, installations and commissions are designed to engage audiences directly, transforming the fair into an immersive cultural environment.
A defining feature of this edition is its emphasis on accessibility, with free public entry to key areas and programmes. This approach reflects Dubai’s commitment to ensuring that cultural experiences remain open and inclusive, broadening engagement across communities.