Abu Dhabi, UAE – International art fair brand Frieze will hold its first-ever Frieze Abu Dhabi from 19 to 22 November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. The fair, led by director Dyala Nusseibeh, takes over from the city’s homegrown Abu Dhabi Art fair and adds the capital to Frieze’s global calendar alongside London, New York, Los Angeles and Seoul.
What to expect
- 89 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, with more than 60 galleries in the main Galleries section
- Focus: younger galleries and experimental solo presentations, each supported by a bursary
- Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi: curated by Marika Sardar, exploring the Indian Ocean as a historic trade and cultural corridor
- Global Futures: eight solo presentations curated by Tarini Malik
- Frieze Sculpture Abu Dhabi: five large-scale works on Mamsha Beach from 16 November to 16 December
Highlights
Visitors can expect a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror sculpture with Victoria Miro, a Sheila Hicks solo presentation with galerie frank elbaz, works from Ibrahim El-Salahi’s Tree series with Vigo Gallery, and a Farideh Lashai retrospective with Leila Heller Gallery. Dala Nasser, winner of the inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award, will present new work at the fair.
The launch strengthens Saadiyat Cultural District’s position as a regional arts hub, alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Source: FAD Magazine.
