Overview

• DCT Abu Dhabi said the 2025 Abu Dhabi Art will run November 19–23, with the 2026 edition relaunching as Frieze Abu Dhabi at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
• Dyala Nusseibeh will continue as director, with Deutsche Bank extending its long-time partnership on the fair.
• The Abu Dhabi event becomes Frieze’s first Middle East outing and its eighth fair globally.
• The announcement comes earlier this week after Mari, founded by Ari Emanuel, completed its purchase of Frieze with roughly $2 billion in equity from investors including Abu Dhabi-based IMI and the Qatar Investment Authority.
• Rivalry in the region is intensifying as Art Basel prepares a Doha fair in February with 87 exhibitors and an overarching curatorial theme by artistic director Wael Shawky.