The global art market is undergoing a significant recalibration, with galleries increasingly turning their attention – and their business – toward the Gulf region. After a period of contraction and closures in 2024, the art world is seeking new opportunities for growth, and the oil-rich nations of the Gulf are emerging as key players.
A challenging period for the art market, marked by gallery closures and a decline in sales, began to show signs of recovery in 2025. While the year started slowly, the secondary market experienced a rebound, driven by high-quality pieces and collectibles. This shift comes as spending on the culture sector rises in Gulf countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, attracting both established and emerging art businesses.
Auction Houses Observe Rebound in 2025
Major auction houses reported positive results at the close of 2025, signaling a potential turning point for the art market. Sotheby’s projected consolidated sales of $7 billion, a 17 percent increase from the previous year, while Christie’s anticipates finishing at $6.2 billion, a nearly 7 percent increase. Phillips also saw growth, reporting $927 million in global sales, representing a 10 percent year-over-year increase according to a recent market recap.
The rebound followed a difficult 2024, when the auction market contracted by 25 percent. Early in 2025, May auctions mirrored the subdued tone of the previous year, with limited bidding and competition, though significant collections like those of Leonard & Louise Riggio and Barbara Gladstone and Daniella Luxemburg did spark some interest.
The Gulf Region’s Growing Influence
Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh have rapidly developed world-class art spaces over the past decade. These galleries are not only promoting local and regional artists but are also attracting internationally renowned artists and collectors. Gulf Magazine reports that the region is becoming a significant force in the global art landscape, blending creativity, tradition, and modern design.
Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue has transformed from a warehouse district into a thriving creative hub, hosting numerous art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. Art Dubai, the city’s annual art fair, draws artists and buyers from around the globe. Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Abu Dhabi, a partnership between the UAE and France, has also played a crucial role in establishing the region’s cultural credentials, displaying works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh.
France’s Art Scene Remains Strong
While the Gulf region gains prominence, France continues to be a significant hub for art. Singulart highlights a diverse range of art galleries across France, from Paris and Lyon to smaller cities like Biarritz and Honfleur. The country offers a unique blend of artistic expression and culinary experiences, attracting art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Popular cities for the arts in France include Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille, Nice, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, Biarritz, Honfleur, Rennes, Angers, La Rochelle, Arcachon, Rouen, Le Havre, Grenoble, Dijon, Clermont-Ferrand, Colmar, Annecy, Saint-Tropez, Reims, Toulon, Metz, and Nancy.
Looking Ahead
The art market’s shift toward the Gulf represents a significant change in the global art landscape. As galleries seek new opportunities and collectors explore emerging markets, the region is poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of art. The stabilization observed at the end of 2025, coupled with the growing investment in cultural infrastructure in the Gulf, suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for the art world in 2026.
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