Art Dubai 2025 Opens with Global Reach and Strong Russian Art Presence

Art Dubai, the Middle East’s leading international art fair, opened its 2025 edition on Wednesday, showcasing works from over 65 cities across five continents. Among this year’s highlights is a strong representation of Russian contemporary art, with several prominent Russian galleries participating and spotlighting both established and emerging artists.

The fair’s dynamic programme features over 120 gallery presentations, including 30 first-time exhibitors, alongside an ambitious lineup of large-scale installations, commissioned works, panel discussions, conferences, and special events. Russian galleries such as Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, Fragment Gallery, and Artwin Gallery are presenting works that span experimental multimedia, post-Soviet abstraction, and socially-engaged art, offering visitors a compelling look at the evolving Russian art scene.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, Pablo del Val, Artistic Director of Art Dubai, remarked:

“Art Dubai’s programme continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s line-up reflects the rapid maturing of the cultural scene in the Gulf region, while deepening its global connections.”

Art Dubai 2025 runs from April 18–20 at Madinat Jumeirah, with exclusive preview days on April 16 and 17.

“Dubai is a unique, global city – home to communities and peoples from all over the world, each bringing their own languages, cultures, and traditions. As we approach our twentieth year, Art Dubai has become the main platform and commercial marketplace for artists and galleries from diverse geographies. We are proud to champion these voices and help foster a more inclusive and international art world,” said del Val.

Spotlight on South Asia

This year’s edition also offers an in-depth look at South Asian art, particularly from Pakistan and India. Celebrated artists such as Anwar Saeed (Grosvenor Gallery), Huma Mulji (Project 88), Shehnaz Ismail (Aicon), Waqas Khan (Galerie Krinzinger, Sabrina Amrani), and Risham Syed (Project 88) will be exhibited. Indian modernist icon M.F. Husain and renowned sculptor Anish Kapoor will also feature, alongside Bangladeshi contemporary artist Rana Begum, presented by The Third Line.

Global Cultural Hub

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Art Dubai continues to position itself as a key cultural platform bridging the Global South, Europe, and beyond.

With its growing Russian participation and renewed focus on emerging art scenes, Art Dubai 2025 reinforces its role as a truly global fair that reflects the diversity and complexity of today’s art world.