ArtDayME - Frieze, one of the world's leading international art fair brands, will launch Frieze Abu Dhabi in November 2026 through a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The long-running Abu Dhabi Art fair will continue under the Frieze brand, marking a significant milestone for the emirate's cultural landscape.

The inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District, one of Abu Dhabi's leading cultural destinations.

A new identity for Abu Dhabi Art

Founded in 2007, Abu Dhabi Art established itself over nearly two decades as the UAE's leading homegrown art fair. Following its final standalone edition in 2025, the fair enters a new phase in 2026 as Frieze Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said Abu Dhabi Art has long reflected the emirate's vision of culture as a driver of dialogue, connection and creativity, supported by a vibrant network of museums, cultural institutions and artist residency programs that nurture both established and emerging artists.

He described the launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi as a natural evolution of that journey, saying it will carry Abu Dhabi Art's achievements onto the global stage while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a cultural capital and giving Frieze a unique gateway into one of the region's most developed art ecosystems.

Frieze's first major initiative under new ownership

The Abu Dhabi fair also marks Frieze's first major initiative since the company came under the ownership of Mari, the newly formed company founded by Ari Emanuel.

According to the official announcement, the launch reflects a shared ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi's role as a global center for culture and creativity while expanding Frieze's international presence in the region.

Building on Abu Dhabi's cultural momentum

Frieze CEO Simon Fox said the partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi represents an important opportunity for the organization. He noted that Abu Dhabi's cultural leadership—supported by world-class museums, institutions and a sustained commitment to the arts—provides a strong foundation for the collaboration.

Fox added that Frieze's global platform will help amplify Abu Dhabi's cultural achievements, create new opportunities for artists from the region, and establish the fair as a platform for artistic discovery, dialogue and exchange.

Growing competition in the Middle East

Frieze's arrival comes as international art fair brands increasingly expand their presence across the Middle East. Earlier this year, Art Basel staged the inaugural edition of its Doha fair, bringing together 87 galleries from 31 countries in a format distinguished by a strong curatorial focus.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its cultural infrastructure. Institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are helping position the emirate as one of the world's leading destinations for arts and culture.