Frieze Abu Dhabi will debut in November 2026.
Abu Dhabi is preparing for a landmark moment in its cultural calendar. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has confirmed that Abu Dhabi Art will evolve into Frieze Abu Dhabi, launching in November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The new fair marks Frieze’s first venture in the Middle East and underscores the emirate’s growing influence on the global art stage.
Founded in 2007 as the Abu Dhabi branch of ArtParis, Abu Dhabi Art has long served as a platform for regional and international dialogue. Frieze’s expansion into the capital follows a period of growth that includes the acquisition of The Armory Show and Expo Chicago in 2023, alongside its 2022 expansion into Seoul. When it opens, Frieze Abu Dhabi will become the company’s eighth fair.
The new event will carry the hallmarks that define the Frieze ecosystem. Expect a spotlight on emerging and established practices, curated encounters between galleries and institutions, and opportunities for the region’s artists, collectors and curators to connect with a wider international network. Set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s world-class museums and cultural infrastructure, the fair aims to build a bridge between East and West while nurturing the city’s creative community.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, said: “For nearly two decades, Abu Dhabi Art has reflected our vision of culture as a driver of dialogue, connection, and creativity. The launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi is a natural evolution of that journey. It is rooted in the achievements of Abu Dhabi Art and will carry them onto the global stage, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a cultural capital while offering Frieze a unique gateway to the region.”
Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, added: “We are honoured to work alongside DCT Abu Dhabi on the launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi’s cultural leadership, underpinned by its world-class museums, institutions, and commitment to the arts, provides the foundation for this collaboration. Combined with the reach of Frieze’s global platform, we can amplify the emirate’s achievements while opening new possibilities for discovery, championing artistic practices from the region, and shaping the fair as a space for conversation and exchange.”
Before the rebrand, the final edition of Abu Dhabi Art will be held from 19 to 23 November 2025.
GO: Visit www.frieze.com for more information.