World Art Dubai 2026 is now officially accepting applications—and if you’re an emerging or mid-career artist or a Gallery looking to break into the international market, this is your chance to make a mark in one of the world’s most dynamic art scenes.

As a professional art consultant and curator behind The Art Fair Guy and a long-time partner and curator of World Art Dubai, I’ve helped dozens of artists prepare for this show. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to apply to World Art Dubai 2026, what to prepare, and how to maximize your chances of being accepted and standing out at the fair. This is your all in one guide with dates, prices, stand options, curation rules, and a clean step by step application walkthrough. It is written for solo artists, galleries, and groups who want a smooth, professional, and profitable fair.

Quick facts

• Dates 23 to 26 April 2026

• VIP preview 22 April

• Venue Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Halls 3, 4, 5, 6

• Model Booth fee only. No commission on your art sales

• Application flow submit interest → upload artworks for curatorial approval → choose stand on a first come basis → sign contract → pay in full

• Early bird deadline 15 November 2025

• Mandatory insurance AED 615 per stand

• VAT 5 percent on all prices

• Stand package includes white painted wooden walls, carpet, lighting, two chairs, one table

• Stand shape either U shape with three walls or L shape with two walls depending on location in the floor plan

• Wall height about 2.8 m inside the stand with a 3 m perimeter structure

• Stand layout deadline submit your final wall plan 21 days before the fair. Set up must be finished 4 hours before the VIP opening

Why artists choose World Art Dubai

• Curated art fair every exhibitor is selected to ensure quality and diversity

• No commission on sales you keep 100 percent of your earnings from sold artworks

• Global exposure more than fifteen thousand visitors including collectors, curators, designers, and industry leaders

• Networking and media connect with professionals from more than sixty countries and benefit from press and social media coverage around the event

Watch the energy for yourself:
🎥 WAD 2025 Highlights
🎥 WAD 2024 Highlights

Ways to participate

• Solo artist booth – your own dedicated space to present a coherent body of work

• Shared booth – share a stand with other artists to lower costs but expect less control and less wall space

• Gallery presentation – show multiple artists under one stand with a clear program and price ladder

My take: solo booths convert best because the presentation is focused and buyers can grasp your value within seconds.

Stand sizes and dimensions

Depth is 3 m for all options. Width scales with size. You will receive either a U shaped stand with three walls or an L shaped corner stand with two walls.

Stand size	Width x Depth x Height
9 sqm	3 m x 3 m x 2.8 m
12 sqm	4 m x 3 m x 2.8 m
15 sqm	5 m x 3 m x 2.8 m
18 sqm	6 m x 3 m x 2.8 m
24 sqm	8 m x 3 m x 2.8 m

Fees and budgets

All prices add 5 percent VAT. Insurance AED 615 per stand is mandatory.
Organiser reference conversion is 1 USD equals 3.62 AED.

Solo artist rates

• Early bird until 15 November 2025
  AED 1,125 per sqm

• Standard after 15 November 2025
  AED 1,375 per sqm

Totals including VAT and insurance

Size	Early bird total	Standard total
9 sqm	AED 11,277	AED 13,639.50
12 sqm	AED 14,820.75	AED 17,970.75
15 sqm	AED 18,364.50	AED 22,302.00
18 sqm	AED 21,908.25	AED 26,633.25
24 sqm	AED 28,995.75	AED 35,295.75

Gallery and group rates

• Early bird AED 1,360 per sqm

• Standard AED 1,665 per sqm

Totals including VAT and insurance

Size	Early bird total	Standard total
12 sqm	AED 17,781.75	AED 21,624.75
24 sqm	AED 34,917.75	AED 42,603.75
36 sqm	AED 52,053.75	AED 63,582.75

Tip make your decision early. Once you are approved, stand selection is strictly first come first served.

The application process

1. Register interest share your preferred stand size and budget to receive the booking link

2. Create your profile in the portal and upload 4 to 5 artworks you plan to show

3. Curatorial review approval normally arrives within a few working days

4. Choose your stand on the live floor plan once you are approved

5. Sign the contract and pay in full to confirm

6. Submit your stand layout with artwork positions and sizes no later than 21 days before the fair

Priority rebooking for returning exhibitors confirm your size and budget now to receive early access before general registration opens.

Curation and display rules

These rules are mandatory and checked on site.

Content and compliance
No nudity, sexual content, political themes, or religious symbols. Non compliant works are removed.

Quantity and spacing
Maximum two rows per wall. Keep at least 20 cm spacing around each artwork. Keep about 30 percent of each wall empty so the stand feels curated and premium.

Artwork approval
Only pre approved artworks and artists may be displayed. After a sale you may replace with another pre approved piece.

Originals and editions
Show originals. Hand made prints and fine art photography are allowed up to one hundred editions. Digital prints are accepted when the original was created digitally. No mass produced reproductions.

Presentation
Hang works securely. No artworks on the floor. No leaning. Works on paper must be framed. No easels.

Labels and prices
Price labels must show artist, title, medium, size, and price in AED. Do not print discounts on labels. Price cap per artwork is AED 80,000. At least seventy percent of the works in your stand should be priced below AED 40,000.

Briefing
Attendance at one online curators meeting is required for every exhibitor.

Your ideal WAD 2026 timeline

• Now to October 2025 submit interest and your curation application

• By 15 November 2025 sign and pay to secure early bird rates

• January to March 2026 lock your selection and pricing, prepare shipping and logistics

• By 1 April 2026 draft your final wall plan

• 21 days before the fair submit the stand layout for approval

• 22 April 2026 complete set up at least four hours before VIP opening

• 23 to 26 April 2026 show days

What to prepare for your application

• Four to five strong artworks with consistent style and quality

• Short artist profile and statement

• Your preferred stand size and budget

• A provisional wall layout with exact sizes and clear spacing

• A price list in AED that follows the pricing policy

• High resolution images for possible fair marketing features

• A backup folder of approved works to rotate in after sales

Booth strategy that works in Dubai

• Keep your stand clean and airy. The white space rule exists because it helps sales

• Build a clear price ladder with most works below AED 40,000 and a few hero pieces

• Prepare replacements so the stand stays full after sales

• Be present. Engage with visitors, offer short talks or demos, collect contacts, and follow up the same day

APPLY NOW:

https://www.worldartdubai.com/

Frequently asked questions

How fast is the approval at World Art Dubai
Reviews are usually quick after upload. You receive an email with approval and next steps.

Can I share a booth at World Art Dubai
Yes. A shared booth lowers cost but comes with less control over curation and pricing. Solo booths convert better.

What is included in the stand package at World Art Dubai
White walls, carpet, lighting, two chairs, one table. Insurance and VAT are extra.

Can I change artworks during the fair
Yes, if the replacements are pre approved.

How do I choose my booth location at World Art Dubai
After approval you choose on the floor plan. It is first come first served.

How The Art Fair Guy Can Help You

Applying to a major art fair can be overwhelming—but that’s where I come in.

At The Art Fair Guy, I offer:

• Personal 1-on-1 artist consultations

• Portfolio reviews and application support

• Pricing strategy and fair planning

• On-site and digital presentation support

Whether you’re applying for the first time or looking to elevate your next exhibition, I can help you stand out, sell more, and grow your international network.

👉 Get in touch for a consultation