All you need to know about the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025
November promises to be a vibrant month, with an array of festivals and workshops enlivening the capital. Leading the cultural calendar is Abu Dhabi Art 2025, a five-day event taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat. It’s an unmissable occasion for art lovers and curators alike, offering a chance to explore remarkable artwork from across the globe. Save the dates and immerse yourself in the world of creativity and expression.
AN OVERVIEW
The annual art fair takes place every November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The event expands beyond the concept of a traditional art event by emphasising programmes that encourage public engagement, including art exhibitions, installations and different events.
HISTORY OF THE FAIR
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) organised the first edition of the yearly art event at the Emirates Palace in 2007. Established under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the art fair was named ArtParis Abu Dhabi at its inception.
Apart from enabling artists to showcase their work, the fair also provides a sales platform for participating art galleries, thereby giving them the chance to gain more exposure for their works.
PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS AND CURATORS
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitors for the 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art 2025 are selected through a rigorous process. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi selects exhibitors based on proposals submitted via the event’s official website, or guest curators directly invite some exhibitors to participate in specific curated sectors.
This year’s fair features the following sectors:
- Modern and Contemporary: Established galleries showcasing diverse modern and contemporary artworks.
- Special Projects: Solo or two-artist presentations by galleries, either alongside other sectors or as standalone exhibitions.
- Emerge: Affordable artworks priced under USD 3,000.
- Bidaya: A platform for emerging galleries operating for less than 3 years.
- Focus: Curated presentations by galleries featuring specific artists.
CURATORS
Each year, the event invites renowned curators to shape its artistic program. This dynamic program encompasses a wide range of exhibitions, talks and performances that explore global contemporary art trends. Throughout the year, these events build anticipation for the main event: the Modern and Contemporary Art Fair in November.
ABU DHABI ART FAIR 2025 DATES
The art fair will run for five consecutive days. Here’s a quick look at the dates.
- Wednesday, 19th November 2025 to Sunday, 23rd November 2025: 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm
FAQS
WILL THERE BE A VISUAL CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR?
Yes, just like every year, there will be a visual art campaign at the 2025 fair. This year, Abu Dhabi Art is collaborating with Shaikha Al Mazrou. The artist will select images from his various projects to establish the visual identity for this year’s art fair.
WHICH ART GALLERIES ARE PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR?
The 17th edition will welcome 140 established and emerging galleries from 37 countries worldwide. To know which galleries are participating, please visit the official website.
WHAT IS THE VENUE?
The art fair will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO THE EVENT?
Admission to the art event is free, but you must register online in advance to obtain a complimentary digital pass.
HOW CAN I BUY ARTWORK?
You can buy your chosen artwork from the galleries by contacting them through the details available on their dedicated gallery profiles.
Can I participate as an independent artist in the event?
Only artists represented by a participating gallery will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025.
And that brings us to the end of our guide to the much-anticipated art exhibition in Abu Dhabi! While you wait for this grand event, satiate your inner art enthusiast at the top art galleries in Abu Dhabi.
Or you can sign up for the top art events in Dubai in 2024. Seeking something unique yet visually captivating? A trip to the 3D World Trick Art Museum in Dubai can be fun for the whole family.
Cover image courtesy: Abu Dhabi ART Official Website
