Art Dubai Fair 2025 stood as a powerful testament to the resilience and evolution of the international art scene.
The fair defied odds by attracting over 100 leading galleries from more than 50 countries, making it one of the most dynamic editions in its history. As artists, curators, collectors, and cultural leaders from around the world converged in the heart of the UAE, Art Dubai once again underscored its position as not just a regional force but a truly global platform for contemporary creativity.
Art Dubai 2025 was distinguished by its inclusive and far-reaching vision. With four main sections—Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Digital—the fair offered an expansive and thoughtfully curated experience. The Contemporary section brought together 70 galleries from across five continents, representing both established and emerging voices. It included first-time participants like Bortolami from New York, Cortesi Gallery from Milan, and Tokyo’s Mizuma Art Gallery, who added to the diverse range of perspectives on view. Their presence reflected the growing interest in Dubai not only as a market but also as a site for artistic dialogue and discovery.
In the Bawwaba section, curated by Mirjam Varadinis, the focus was on solo presentations of artists from the Global South, with a thematic emphasis on coexistence and displacement. This section served as a poignant reflection on the human condition amid political and social turmoil, showcasing powerful works by artists such as Tomás Saraceno and Gulnur Mukazhanova. The Bawwaba platform reinforced Art Dubai’s reputation for nurturing underrepresented narratives and amplifying voices that are often sidelined in the traditional art market.
The Modern section, curated by Magalí Arriola and Nada Shabout, was a celebration of historical depth and regional legacy. For the first time, the section welcomed artists from Latin America, including Venezuelan painter Darío Pérez Flores, broadening its historical scope beyond the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It offered viewers a rare opportunity to trace artistic genealogies, explore shared aesthetics across continents, and deepen their understanding of how modernism evolved in non-Western contexts. This curatorial approach encouraged critical engagement with the term “modernity” and its localized expressions, presenting a sophisticated counter-narrative to dominant Western art histories.
One of the most innovative aspects of Art Dubai 2025 was the Digital section, which returned with a bold new vision under the guidance of curator Gonzalo Herrero Delicado. Art Dubai Digital explored the ever-shifting relationship between art and technology, delving into themes of artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and virtual reality. With participants like the House of Fine Art (HOFA) and Dubai-based Mondoir Art Gallery, the section brought together pioneers who are reshaping what art means in a digital age. Whether through immersive installations or algorithm-generated artworks, this section proved that the digital realm is not merely a medium but a cultural language in itself.
Art Dubai also continued to cement its role as a platform for thought leadership through its extensive educational programming. The Global Art Forum, curated by Y7 and commissioned by the influential cultural thinker Shumon Basar, adopted the theme “The New New Normal,” examining how societal expectations and realities are being redefined. Through a series of dynamic talks, debates, and presentations, the forum brought together artists, writers, scientists, and technologists to probe how art can respond to, and shape, the rapidly changing world.
Running parallel to the fair, the second edition of the Digital Summit titled “After the Technological Sublime” further expanded on ideas surrounding creativity and digital culture. These programs did not merely run alongside the exhibitions—they were integral to Art Dubai’s identity as a site for intellectual exploration. In a world increasingly shaped by technological acceleration, these conversations emphasized the artist’s role as both a witness and a visionary.
The fair’s success was also due to its unwavering commitment to regional representation. Art Dubai 2025 featured a significant presence of galleries and artists from the Middle East, Africa, and South and West Asia. More than 20 Dubai-based galleries participated, underscoring the city’s role as a fertile ground for artistic production and curatorial experimentation. Emirati artists were also prominently featured, reflecting a growing national investment in nurturing homegrown talent. Through initiatives like Campus Art Dubai and the residency programs supported by Art Jameel and Tashkeel, the fair has helped cultivate a thriving local ecosystem that is increasingly gaining international recognition.
Another noteworthy aspect of this year’s fair was the strong presence and leadership of women in shaping the cultural discourse. Directors, curators, and artists played central roles across multiple platforms. Institutions like the Ishara Art Foundation, founded by Smita Prabhakar, and Art Jameel, directed by Antonia Carver, demonstrated how women-led organizations are at the forefront of advancing socially relevant, community-driven art practices. Their exhibitions brought forward critical topics such as climate justice, post-colonial identity, and gender equality, enriching the fair’s overall narrative.
Rather than retreating in the face of market volatility, Art Dubai leaned into its mission to provide a space for meaningful engagement and exchange. Collectors responded accordingly, with robust sales across all sections of the fair. Institutional interest was also high, with representatives from major museums and biennales present, scouting for acquisitions and collaborations.
Art Dubai 2025 served as a mirror to our times—reflecting both the turbulence and the hope that characterize the contemporary moment. Its ability to bring together such a wide spectrum of practices, geographies, and voices under one roof is not merely a logistical feat, but a symbolic one.
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