Quick snapshot

• Dates and hours: 19 to 23 November 2025, daily 2 pm to 9 pm

• Venue: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District

• Tickets: Free entry with online registration, advance booking recommended

• Scale: More than 140 galleries from over 35 countries are expected, the largest edition to date

What is Abu Dhabi Art

Abu Dhabi Art is more than a commercial fair. It is a city-wide programme that runs throughout the year and culminates each November with a curated international art fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Expect a strong mix of gallery presentations, special exhibitions, artist commissions, installations, talks, tours and family activities. The event champions both regional voices and leading galleries from around the world.

When and where, and why the venue matters

The fair returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The venue includes gallery halls, an auditorium, studios and a café, all within a museum-rich neighborhood that also features Louvre Abu Dhabi and future institutions like Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. It is a walkable area designed for full culture days.

Tickets and entry

Entry is free, you simply register online to receive a digital pass. Booking ahead helps you avoid queues at the entrance. Complimentary guided tours in English and Arabic usually run on fair days, and they are a great way to orient yourself quickly.

Programme highlights you should not miss

1) Galleries and curated sectors

Modern and contemporary galleries from the Gulf, Europe, Asia and the Americas are presented alongside curated sectors. Review the gallery list before you go and mark your must-see booths so you can navigate efficiently in the evenings when the fair is busiest.

2) Beyond Emerging Artists

This signature platform commissions three UAE-based artists each year under the mentorship of a guest curator. The works premiere during the fair and remain on view through the season, making it a key stop for visitors who want to track new talent.

3) Artist Commissions across the emirate

The experience extends beyond the fair halls through site-specific commissions across Abu Dhabi and in Al Ain. These projects are ideal if you are planning a long weekend and want to explore heritage locations along with contemporary work.

Planning your visit

Getting there

• Airport: Zayed International Airport, code AUH. Saadiyat Island is around 25 to 35 minutes by car.

• Ride-hailing and parking: Taxis and ride-hailing are straightforward. On busy evenings, aim to arrive before sunset to secure parking and catch golden-hour light for photos.

Best time to go

Evenings after 5 pm are the most vibrant. Early afternoon is quieter and good for longer conversations with gallerists. Doors close at 9 pm daily.

Where to stay

For a culture-first trip, book on Saadiyat Island to be close to Manarat Al Saadiyat and Louvre Abu Dhabi. For dining and nightlife variety, Al Maryah Island and the Corniche offer excellent hotels within a 15 to 25 minute drive.

Eat and recharge

Manarat Al Saadiyat has an on-site café. Saadiyat Island and nearby Al Maryah Island offer a wide range of restaurants from casual to fine dining, so you can plan an easy lunch or a late dinner after the fair.

For visiting artists, make it a research trip

Abu Dhabi Art is curated and not open for independent artists to exhibit, yet it is an excellent place to map the market, meet galleries, and learn how your practice might fit.

• Do your homework: Study the gallery list and note the booths that align with your medium and price level.

• Keep it short and professional: If a gallerist invites a chat, show a tight portfolio on your phone or tablet and ask for their submission process after the fair.

• Tour the commissions: Visit the commissions around the city and in Al Ain to understand how the fair activates heritage sites.

• Join a tour or talk: The guided tours are useful for quick context and light networking.

Buying art at the fair

All sales go directly through the exhibiting galleries. Ask for a price list, discuss payment options, and request shipping quotes and condition reports. If you want to follow up after the fair, collect business cards or scan QR codes at the booth.

Make it a culture weekend

Block a day for Louvre Abu Dhabi, and if you have time, consider a day trip to Al Ain for the outdoor commissions. Saadiyat is evolving fast as a global cultural hub, so museum shows and public art change regularly.

Key details at a glance

Item	Info
Dates	19 to 23 November 2025, 2 pm to 9 pm daily
Venue	Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District
Tickets	Free with online registration
Gallery count	More than 140 galleries from over 35 countries
Language	English and Arabic tours available
Family-friendly	Yes, with workshops and activities scheduled during the fair

FAQ

Is Abu Dhabi Art suitable for families
Yes, there are workshops and family activities. Check the programme in the week before your visit.

Can I enter Abu Dhabi Art without registering online
On-site registration is sometimes available, yet online registration is faster and recommended.

How long should I plan for Abu Dhabi Art
Two visits of two to three hours each work well. If you are a collector, allow more time for follow-ups and paperwork.

Is there anything to see outside the fair
Yes, the Artist Commissions across the city and in Al Ain, and museum visits on Saadiyat Island, make a strong weekend plan.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, a collector, or an artist scoping the Gulf scene, Abu Dhabi Art 2025 is a must. Book your free pass, plot your route through Manarat Al Saadiyat, leave room for Saadiyat’s museums and the commissions across the emirate, and make your visit a smart mix of culture and connections.