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World Art Dubai opens its 12th edition on 19 November 2026 and runs until 22 November in Za’abeel Halls 2 and 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More than 300 exhibitors from over 65 countries will present 10,000 artworks. The fair is open daily from 1pm to 9pm.
The exhibitor list includes over 200 individual artists and 65 galleries, plus artist groups and collectives. Works range from paintings and sculpture to photography, digital pieces, mixed media and installations. Prices start at about $100 and reach $20,000. The theme is "Where the World’s Art Comes Together".
This year the fair puts more weight on art collecting. Artwork sales rose 28 per cent in 2025, and organisers want to connect artists and galleries with buyers. These range from seasoned collectors to first-timers, along with interior designers, hospitality professionals and companies furnishing homes, hotels, offices and developments.
Curators Rachael Brown and Stephane de Boysson join returning curators Gottfried Eisenberger and Samar Kamel. Photography has its own section, PhotoWAD. The Emerging Artist Prize returns, and an Emirati Artists Pavilion will show local work next to international exhibitors.
The four-day programme includes talks, performances, live demonstrations, installations and more than 20 hands-on workshops for adults and children. Workshops are covered by the ticket price. Talks with artists, curators and industry professionals are free. Sunday, 22 November, is Family Day, with children's workshops and creative activities. Schools will also display student work.
Under the Artist in Residence Programme, artists will be placed with Dubai hotels, among them Hotel Indigo Downtown Dubai, SO/Uptown and Radisson RED. Residency activities continue into 2027.
Dubai Culture is the Strategic Partner. Other sponsors are Knightsbridge Group, Qube Art and DiarBID Art House.
Visitors planning a trip around the fair can book hotels in Dubai through DoBy. Gulf News reported the details.
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