Abu Dhabi opens doors to global art collectors with customs duty waiver
New programme targets long-term placement, conservation and public cultural engagement
ABU DHABI – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a new art customs duty waiver programme designed to attract global collectors, family offices and private institutions seeking a secure destination for the long-term placement of high-value artworks.
The initiative positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most forward-looking cultural hubs, offering a framework grounded in governance, legal clarity and institutional oversight. It is intended to support conservation, exhibition and scholarly engagement while reinforcing transparency and accountability.
The programme establishes a clear regulatory environment for art brought into the emirate, with eligibility granted to artworks committed for a minimum term of three years. Participants will benefit from a six-month export window at the end of the placement period, offering flexibility while maintaining structured oversight. At launch, the focus remains on regulatory certainty, with additional operational services set to be introduced in phases over the coming months.
Governance framework
Designed to meet international best practice, the initiative places due diligence at its core, ensuring documented provenance, ownership transparency and alignment with applicable legal and compliance standards. DCT Abu Dhabi said the framework responds to growing global demand for stable, well-regulated jurisdictions capable of safeguarding artworks of exceptional cultural and financial value.
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions have consistently centred on stewardship and excellence. He said the programme reflects a commitment to preserving significant artworks with integrity while enabling access for research and cultural dialogue, supported by strong governance and scientific expertise.
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the policy framework is intended to strengthen the emirate’s role as a global crossroads for culture, knowledge and creative collaboration, providing collectors with confidence in long-term regulatory stability.
Expert oversight
A specialised committee comprising global experts will assess incoming submissions to determine alignment with the programme’s standards and the department’s broader commitment to safeguarding cultural assets. The review process forms part of a wider governance approach focused on traceability, responsible participation and institutional accountability.
To support participation, a dedicated digital portal will allow collectors and family offices to submit expressions of interest, access programme documentation and engage directly with advisory specialists. The platform is intended to streamline eligibility assessments while maintaining rigorous oversight.
DCT Abu Dhabi said artworks accepted into the programme may also be considered for scholarly study, research initiatives and curated public engagement, supporting knowledge exchange and reinforcing the emirate’s expanding cultural ecosystem.
Cultural strategy
Through the initiative, Abu Dhabi aims to consolidate its standing as a global cultural capital offering not only world-class museums and institutions but also the regulatory infrastructure required to protect and elevate significant private collections. The department said its approach differentiates itself by leading with regulation, ensuring that long-term cultural development is underpinned by robust policy foundations.
The programme aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to expand its cultural and creative industries, strengthen international partnerships and promote responsible, future-focused cultural investment. DCT Abu Dhabi said progress would be measured through regulatory integrity, effective oversight and adherence to international standards.
Applications will open through the official digital portal, enabling collectors and family offices worldwide to connect with the programme team and begin the eligibility assessment process. Additional information will be provided to interested parties through official channels.