Abu Dhabi Art has been rebranded as Frieze Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural edition will take place this year.
It will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Frieze Abu Dhabi will debut in November 2026.
Abu Dhabi is preparing for a landmark moment in its cultural calendar. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi had earlier confirmed that Abu Dhabi Art will evolve into Frieze Abu Dhabi, launching in November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. And now, the dates of the inaugural edition have been revealed.
Frieze Abu Dhabi will take place from 19 to 26 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. The new fair marks Frieze’s first venture in the Middle East and underscores the emirate’s growing influence on the global art stage.
Founded in 2007 as the Abu Dhabi branch of ArtParis, Abu Dhabi Art has long served as a platform for regional and international dialogue. Frieze’s expansion into the capital follows a period of growth that includes the acquisition of The Armory Show and Expo Chicago in 2023, alongside its 2022 expansion into Seoul. When it opens, Frieze Abu Dhabi will become the company’s eighth fair.
The new event will carry the hallmarks that define the Frieze ecosystem. Expect a spotlight on emerging and established practices, curated encounters between galleries and institutions, and opportunities for the region’s artists, collectors and curators to connect with a wider international network. Set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s world-class museums and cultural infrastructure, the fair aims to build a bridge between East and West while nurturing the city’s creative community.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, had said: “For nearly two decades, Abu Dhabi Art has reflected our vision of culture as a driver of dialogue, connection, and creativity. The launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi is a natural evolution of that journey. It is rooted in the achievements of Abu Dhabi Art and will carry them onto the global stage, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a cultural capital while offering Frieze a unique gateway to the region.”
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 19 to 26 November 2026
Contact: www.frieze.com