Frieze has unveiled an 84-gallery line-up for its inaugural Abu Dhabi fair, running from November 19 to 22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The event marks Frieze’s first fair in West Asia, taking over from Abu Dhabi Art after a 17-year run under the Department of Culture and Tourism.
The upcoming international art fair brings together exhibitors from 63 cities across 36 countries, mixing regional stalwarts with major global gallery brands that stayed away from previous iterations according to reporting from The Art Newspaper. While the total number of participants is marginally smaller than recent editions of its predecessor, the exhibitor roster leans heavily international and features several blue-chip names.
Global Heavyweights Join Regional Backbone
Major international players including Gagosian, Pace Gallery, and Thaddaeus Ropac are set to take stands at the debut event. They are joined by Timothy Taylor, Vito Schnabel Gallery, Perrotin, and Victoria Miro. Around 25 galleries hailing from Europe and the Americas have signed on, alongside participants from East and Southeast Asia such as Busan’s Johyun Gallery and Shanghai’s Pearl Lam Projects.
At the same time, the fair preserves its core regional identity. Galleries from the West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia region continue to form the foundation of the exhibitor list. Established UAE spaces like Carbon 12, Lawrie Shabibi, and Gallery Isabelle will exhibit alongside regional fixtures including Saudi Arabia’s Athr, Lebanon’s Saleh Barakat Gallery, and multiple participants from Egypt and Tunisia.
Continuity and Evolution Under Familiar Leadership
Leadership of the event remains grounded in institutional memory. Abu Dhabi Art’s longtime director Dyala Nusseibeh stays at the helm, directing the annual gathering at Manarat Al Saadiyat within the Saadiyat Cultural District. The selection committee also maintains local expertise, featuring veteran exhibitors Asmaa Al-Shabibi, Yasmin Atassi, and Amrita Jhaveri alongside Guggenheim Abu Dhabi curator Sandhini Poddar.
The Department of Culture and Tourism remains a partner in the enterprise. Financial collaboration links into Mari, the events company established by Ari Emanuel, which also runs events like the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. In October 2025, Abu Dhabi’s IMI Media group acquired a direct stake in Mari. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank continues its role as global lead partner for Frieze Art Fairs.
“We are fortunate that this first edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi inherits nearly two decades of active community-building and benefits immeasurably from Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to supporting artists, galleries and cultural production.”
Eva Langret, Frieze director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Frieze Masters and the Indian Ocean Focus
Structural shifts accompany the rebrand. The fair’s longtime collectibles section is now absorbed into Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi, curated by Marika Sardar. This component looks deep into the past, presenting antiquities, rare books, and manuscripts.
Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi launches with a thematic emphasis on the Indian Ocean highlighting the historic movement of people, objects, and ideas through trade and cultural exchange. Eight specialized galleries—including Sharjah’s Eqtna Rare Books and Vienna’s Inlibris Rare Books & Manuscripts—will anchor this historical exploration.
Navigating Regional Realities for the November Debut
Preparations for the November opening moved forward despite external anxieties. Organizers addressed concerns that regional geopolitical tensions—specifically centering on recent conflicts involving Iran—might force a postponement or a scaled-back edition. With drone attacks largely ceased, planners confirmed their schedule.
“Frieze and DCT are committed to their vision for Frieze Abu Dhabi and are working towards opening the fair as planned.”
A spokesperson for the fair, via The Art Newspaper
The fair arrives during a busy cultural fourth quarter for the emirate. Just weeks after the art fair concludes, Saadiyat Island will witness the long-awaited opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on December 11, cementing the district’s status as an international hub for the arts.
