Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurates 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, advancing the capital’s vision for a thriving creative economy
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 19 November 2025: His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated the 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
His Highness toured the event featuring 142 galleries from 34 countries, including 53 first-time fair participants. Abu Dhabi’s sustained and strategic investment in the UAE’s creative and cultural industries has been the driving force behind the fair’s expanded scale and increasingly diverse roster of exhibitors.
Highlighting the fair’s significance, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that Abu Dhabi Art plays a pivotal role in the emirate’s cultural vision by supporting the creative economy, cultivating talent, and strengthening global cultural dialogue. The fair continues to present under-researched art histories, integrate regional and international art markets, and amplify Abu Dhabi’s values, culture, and heritage on the world stage, creating equity in global art discourses. He praised the event’s continued success in showcasing the richness of Emirati artistic heritage while enabling collaboration between artists, institutions, and collectors from around the world. Such initiatives reinforce Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambition to be a leading cultural scene where creativity, innovation, and sustainable cultural development drive societal progress and inspire future generations.
This growth directly supports the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s mission to advance the emirate’s cultural landscape, nurture a vibrant creative ecosystem, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for arts and culture. Through initiatives like Abu Dhabi Art, the emirate continues to champion artistic excellence, encourage knowledge exchange, and foster programmes that contribute to a thriving, innovation-led culture sector.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi Art serves as a statement of Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global cultural capital, reflecting our vision of creativity as a force that connects people, ideas and generations. Increasing in global reach year by year, the annual fair empowers artists, strengthens the creative economy, and helps shape a future where art and culture inspire progress, innovation and exchange. It stands as a testament to our long-term investment in a thriving cultural ecosystem, one that contributes to global dialogue while deepening the UAE’s own artistic landscape.”
The Global Focus Sectors at this year’s fair underscore the value of strong and diverse international relationships, featuring a spotlight on Nigeria—created in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy—a selection of Modern Art from Türkiye, a survey on Arabian Gulf artists, and the returning Collectors Salon, presenting artefacts, manuscripts, and artworks. This year’s Visual Campaign Artist is Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, whose work embodies the spirit of experimentation and innovation shaping the UAE’s contemporary art scene.
Abu Dhabi Art 2025 is supported by Aldar, HSBC, BMW Group Middle East, Tadweer Group, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi — partners who share Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable cultural growth, creative innovation, and global collaboration.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was accompanied by His Excellency Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs; His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; and His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
About Abu Dhabi Art
Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair, in placing strong emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and exhibitions, talks and events that take place in different locations throughout the year. The culmination of this year-long programme is the Abu Dhabi Art event in November, which provides an important sales platform for participating galleries whilst also offering these galleries an opportunity to showcase ambitious installations and site-specific works by their artists to a wide audience. Abudhabiart.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae
