The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Frieze have today announced their partnership to evolve Abu Dhabi Art into Frieze Abu Dhabi, marking a new chapter in the emirate’s role on the global art calendar.
For 17 years, Abu Dhabi Art has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, establishing itself as a defining moment in the regional calendar. Anchored in the emirate’s world-class museums, dynamic artist residencies, and established institutions that nurture talent and emerging artists, the fair has built a reputation for credibility, while attracting an international collector base that reflects Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan spirit and global standing.
The evolution into Frieze Abu Dhabi builds on that legacy, reinforcing the emirate’s long-term cultural vision while extending the fair’s reach through Frieze’s international networks and expertise.
Anchored in its central role in the capital’s cultural life, the fair will continue an approach that remains rooted in discovery, dialogue and global perspectives. The collaboration represents the first major initiative under Frieze’s new ownership and reflects a shared ambition, underlining Abu Dhabi as a centre for culture and creativity, while giving Frieze a unique position in the Arabian Gulf’s most established art ecosystem.