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Frieze Abu Dhabi: Meet the 90+ galleries at the first fair

Abu Dhabi will host its first Frieze art fair in February 2025, bringing over 90 galleries to the Saadiyat Cultural District. The event, running from February 20 to 23, will feature a mix of global heavyweights and regional players, marking a new chapter for the UAE’s art scene.

Who’s exhibiting at Frieze Abu Dhabi?

The inaugural fair will include 92 galleries from 26 countries. Nearly half come from Europe, with strong representation from the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Highlights include London’s White Cube, New York’s David Zwirner, and Dubai’s own Carbon 12.

Which UAE galleries made the cut?

Local galleries will have a visible presence. Abu Dhabi’s Hunar Gallery and Dubai’s Lawrie Shabibi and The Third Line are among the confirmed names. Their inclusion reflects the fair’s aim to blend international appeal with regional talent.

Why Frieze Abu Dhabi matters for the Gulf

The fair arrives as Abu Dhabi cements its place on the global art map. The emirate already hosts Louvre Abu Dhabi, which drew 1.3 million visitors in 2023. Frieze’s arrival could further boost cultural tourism, a sector Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism valued at AED 29.1 billion in 2022.

For collectors, the fair offers a rare chance to see works by artists like Yayoi Kusama, Gerhard Richter, and local names such as Mohammed Kazem—all under one roof in the UAE.

How does it compare to Art Dubai?

Frieze Abu Dhabi enters a market already served by Art Dubai, the region’s longest-running fair. Here’s how they stack up:

What to expect from the fair

Frieze Abu Dhabi will occupy a custom-built tent near Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim. The layout will mirror Frieze’s London and New York editions, with a mix of solo presentations and curated sections.

A dedicated talks program will run alongside the fair, featuring artists, curators, and collectors. Topics will likely include the Gulf’s growing role in the art market and the challenges of collecting in a digital age.

How to attend

Tickets will go on sale in late 2024. Early-bird prices for general admission start at AED 150. VIP packages, including private previews and guided tours, will be available for collectors and industry professionals.

For those unable to attend, Frieze’s online platform will offer virtual access to select galleries and talks.

Full details on participating galleries and programming are available in The Art Newspaper’s original report.

Will Frieze Abu Dhabi become the Gulf’s must-attend art event? Share your thoughts in the comments.