Art Dubai 2027

Art Dubai is the leading international art fair in the Middle East and wider region, held annually at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The 2027 edition runs 17–20 March, with a VIP and collector preview on 17 March and public days from 18–20 March.

The fair brings together galleries from over 40 countries, with a deliberate emphasis on art from the Global South. Rather than replicating the roster of a Geneva or Basel fair, Art Dubai has built a distinct identity around galleries from Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world alongside Western participants. This makes for a browsable and genuinely varied floor.

Sections and programme

Art Dubai is divided into several curated sections. The main gallery sector shows work by established and mid-career artists; a dedicated modern section focuses on historical works from the region; and a curated contemporary section features newer and experimental practices. There is typically also a digital art section, reflecting Dubai’s interest in NFT and blockchain-related art markets.

The public programme — talks, walkthroughs, performances, and screenings — runs throughout the fair days and is usually free with ticket entry. Past editions have featured major curators and artists speaking on the cultural dynamics of the region.

Tickets and access

Public day tickets are typically priced at approximately AED 95 per person, with discounts for students. Collector and VIP preview access is by invitation or through gallery contacts. Tickets are available online at artdubai.ae and can also be purchased at the venue, though online booking is recommended during busy periods.

Getting there

Madinat Jumeirah is located in the Jumeirah beach district of Dubai, approximately 25–30 minutes from Downtown Dubai by taxi. Expect to pay around AED 40–60 from Downtown. There is no metro station directly at the venue; the nearest is Mall of the Emirates, from which taxis take around 10 minutes. During Art Week (the cluster of gallery openings and events that surrounds the fair), many galleries also run shuttle services.

Art Week context

Art Dubai typically coincides with a broader Dubai Art Week in which the city’s commercial galleries, museums, and cultural spaces hold openings, curator tours, and special exhibitions. Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz — Dubai’s main gallery district — is especially active during this period and is a worthwhile stop for anyone already attending the fair.

March is a comfortable month to be in Dubai, with temperatures around 25–30°C and low humidity. Our Dubai city guide has transport, neighbourhood, and dining details for building a longer stay around the fair.