Frieze Abu Dhabi to be Launched in 2026

The United Arab Emirates is poised to welcome a major cultural milestone with the launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi in November 2026. In a landmark collaboration, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Frieze have announced the transformation of the longtime Abu Dhabi Art fair into a new global-level event. 

Frieze’s decision to adopt the Abu Dhabi edition stems from an enduring legacy: the 17-year history of Abu Dhabi Art, which has fostered artistic dialogue, regional exposure, and institutional partnerships across the UAE and beyond.  Rather than replacing the earlier fair, Frieze Abu Dhabi is framed as an evolution — one that leans on existing foundations while expanding their global resonance.

Set to take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the fair’s inaugural edition will aim to merge local, regional, and international artistic voices under one roof. Frieze brings with it a well-established global art platform, offering not only exhibition space but also channels for cross-border exchange, institutional partnerships, and media amplification. 

Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, highlighted the importance of collaboration in this endeavor. He emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s cultural infrastructure — museums, residencies, and institutions — offers a rich soil for such a fair to grow, while Frieze’s global reach can amplify the region’s achievements and foster new conversations. 

On the side of local stewardship, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that the launch represents a logical next step in Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions. While grounded in the history of Abu Dhabi Art, Frieze Abu Dhabi is conceived to elevate those accomplishments onto a global platform. 

In doing so, the fair seeks to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional cultural capital, while offering an outstanding “gateway” for Frieze into the Gulf and wider Middle East art ecosystems. As it unfolds, Frieze Abu Dhabi promises to become a focal point for art collectors, galleries, institutions, and creative communities seeking to engage with the region’s dynamic visual arts landscape.