Frieze Abu Dhabi Reveals Inaugural Gallery Line-up

Frieze Abu Dhabi has unveiled the galleries that will be exhibiting at its inaugural edition this November. The mega-fair’s first event in the United Arab Emirates will welcome 84 galleries from 64 cities representing 37 countries.

Participating galleries from the UAE include Lawrie Shabibi, Iris Projects and Tabari Artspace. The wider West Asia, North Africa and South Asia (WANASA) region is represented by a raft of galleries, including Galerie Tanit from Lebanon, Dastan from Tehran, Casablanca’s Loft Art Gallery and Experimenter from Kolkata.

There will also be a strong European presence, including Thaddaeus Ropac, Victoria Miro, Perrotin and Waddington Custot, and a wider global reach encompassing the Americas, East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Global names Gagosian and Pace Gallery will also be in attendance.

Focus—dedicated to experimental solo or dual presentations from younger galleries—offers bursaries to support emerging artists and this year will feature works from Tahir Karmali, whose textiles explore migration and exploitation (presented by Management) and Thuy Tien Nguyen, whose sculptural pieces reference the interior décor of the Republic of Vietnam’s Independence Palace (presented by Solo).

Meanwhile, female curators take the helm of Frieze Masters and Global Futures. Frieze Masters is themed around the Indian Ocean and its role in the movement of people, ideas and objects. Curator Marika Sardar—who has worked for institutions including MoMA and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto—has selected artefacts that will examine connected histories and continuing legacies.

Tarini Malik, who curated the British Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, as well as serving as curator of modern contemporary art at the Royal Academy of Arts until earlier this year, will bring together artists with distinct cultural contexts for Global Futures. This section of the fair features solo presentations that engage with ideas and histories relevant to the UAE and the wider region—participants include Palestinian artist Mohammed Joha, whose work is currently on display at the Venice Biennale, Ala Younis from Kuwait and pioneering UAE conceptual artist Abdullah Al Saadi.

The fair’s director, Dyala Nusseibeh, said: “Global Futures and Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi will introduce fresh perspectives and avenues for critical inquiry,” adding: “Frieze Abu Dhabi will be a catalyst for knowledge production, art market integration and meaningful participation in global discourse for the whole region.”

Frieze Abu Dhabi will take place from 19–22 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The wider programme will also include the first Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award and In Dialogue, featuring one established and one emerging UAE artist.