Returning to Madinat Jumeirah this year, Art Dubai celebrates two decades of shaping and supporting the region’s cultural landscape with a special edition that reflects both its history and future. Running from 15-17 May, the 2026 edition brings together more than 100 presentations spanning contemporary, modern and digital practices, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, creativity and artistic exchange.

This year’s programme places particular focus on the galleries, institutions and creative communities that have contributed to the evolution of the UAE’s art ecosystem over the past 20 years. Alongside long-standing international participants are regional galleries and first-time exhibitors whose practices continue to shape conversations across the contemporary art world.

More than a traditional art fair, Art Dubai has developed into a platform connecting regional perspectives with global audiences. The special anniversary edition reflects that spirit through an expanded programme of exhibitions, commissions, installations, screenings and talks created in collaboration with leading cultural institutions across the UAE.

Highlights include partnerships with Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Barjeel Art Foundation, Dubai Collection, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Art Foundation, presenting projects that explore modern and contemporary artistic practices from across the region and beyond.

Among the featured presentations are Made Forward, showcasing works from the Dubai Collection, and Pulse, an exhibition of modern Arab masterpieces from the Barjeel Art Foundation collection. Visitors can also experience site-responsive installations, performance-led works and moving image programmes integrated throughout the fair.

The 20th edition of Art Dubai’s flagship Global Art Forum also returns this year under the title Before and After Everything, continuing the fair’s long-standing commitment to critical dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange. This edition additionally marks the return of DXB Store, first launched at Art Dubai in 2011, spotlighting newly commissioned works and objects by UAE-based designers, makers and creative practitioners.

Open to the public with free entry from 15-17 May and supported by Dubai Culture, this special edition reflects the collaborative and community-driven approach that has defined Art Dubai over the past two decades, while looking ahead to the next chapter of the region’s evolving creative scene.