ABU DHABI, Oct 28 (ARTnews) – The Abu Dhabi Art Fair returns to the UAE capital next month for its 17th edition, more international in scope yet true to its local character. Running from November 19–23 on Saadiyat Island, the fair will welcome 140 galleries from 37 countries, a sharp rise from last year’s 104 and a far cry from the 40 exhibitors that joined its debut in 2009.

Under the leadership of Dyala Nusseibeh, the fair continues to evolve with a diverse mix of thematic sectors. This year introduces the “Collectors Salon”, showcasing artifacts, historical objects, and rare manuscripts; an expanded “Emerge” section featuring works priced under $3,000 to attract new collectors; and the “Global Focus” sector spotlighting modern masters from Nigeria and Türkiye—highlighting historical ties between Arab artists and the wider world.

The fair’s expansion reflects the UAE’s cultural strategy of building ambitious institutions that shape global narratives. As the region’s art scene matures, major structural changes loom on the horizon: in 2026, Frieze will take over Abu Dhabi Art, rebranding it as Frieze Abu Dhabi, while neighboring Qatar prepares to host Art Basel, marking the first Gulf Cooperation Council presence for both art world powerhouses.

Growth and Global Appeal

Speaking to ARTnews, Nusseibeh credited the fair’s growth to the long-anticipated completion of Saadiyat’s museum ecosystem, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and forthcoming institutions such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.

“There’s been a lot of work on curatorial strategy, acquisitions, and knowledge production—all of that has fed into the art market in significant ways,” Nusseibeh said. “The Gulf is actually a very stable place economically, and there’s huge investment in culture at a time when it’s slowing elsewhere. Galleries are looking for new markets, and they see the UAE as an exciting landscape to be part of.”

Returning exhibitors include Pace Gallery, Mennour, and Galleria Continua, alongside newcomers like Richard Saltoun.

Encouraging Emerging Markets

Nusseibeh emphasized that Abu Dhabi Art has evolved from a platform for blue-chip galleries to one that supports emerging and mid-career dealers and attracts a younger generation of collectors.

“We’ve actively encouraged galleries to bring lower price point works for our growing collector base,” she explained. “There’s a fantastic new wave of young collectors in the UAE with disposable income, who are seriously becoming the future of the market.”

She added that the fair has made a point of championing under-researched art histories, especially from the Global South, such as Egyptian surrealist Inji Efflatoun, whose works remain undervalued compared to European peers.

Global Partnerships and Cultural Dialogue

This year’s Global Focus section, dedicated to Nigeria and Türkiye, reflects Abu Dhabi Art’s collaborative strategy. Working closely with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the fair will host seven Nigerian galleries, including one showcasing works from the Osogbo School of Art.

“Nigeria, like us, is thinking about the creative economy and the benefits of supporting its growth,” Nusseibeh said. “We’re pairing up to enable that development and open new entry points for galleries to access a wider collector base.”

The Collectors Salon, launched in previous editions, continues to strengthen the dialogue between the art market and institutional collections. Notable past highlights include Peter Harrington’s presentation of the original manuscript of Le Petit Prince, complete with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s handwritten annotations.

“That’s very much in step with an audience that’s grown up attending the Louvre Abu Dhabi,” Nusseibeh noted. “At the same time, our regional focus aligns with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s curatorial intentions.”

As the Gulf prepares for a new era of international art engagement, Abu Dhabi Art 2024 stands as a bridge between regional heritage and global ambition—setting the stage for what could be the most transformative phase yet in the Middle East’s art ecosystem.