Dubai, October 20, 2026 – World Art Dubai (WAD) says its 12th edition will run November 19-22, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with presentations planned for Za’abeel Halls 2 and 3.
The fair, which organisers describe as bringing together independent, solo and emerging talent alongside a stronger gallery presence, says it will host more than 300 exhibitors from over 65 countries. Organisers also cite 200+ solo artists and 65+ galleries participating, alongside artist groups and collectives.
WAD says the programme will include works across multiple contemporary media, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital art and installations. The organisers state that the edition will showcase 10,000 artworks over the four days, with artworks priced at approximately USD 100 to USD 20,000.
Curators and focus on moving from discovery to collecting
WAD says the 2026 fair will be shaped by new curators Rachael Brown and Stephane de Boysson, alongside returning curators Gottfried Eisenberger and Samar Kamel.
Organisers say the edition places additional emphasis on helping visitors transition from discovery to collecting, and on connecting artists and galleries with audiences who are looking to acquire work. In the announcement, WAD attributes increased sales momentum to a 28 per cent increase in artwork sales in 2025, and says this has informed its approach for 2026.
WAD also names the types of buyer audience it expects to draw, including established collectors, first-time buyers, interior designers, hospitality professionals and corporate clients sourcing art for homes, hotels, workplaces and development projects.
Photography, emerging talent and international exchange
Organisers say PhotoWAD will introduce visitors to photographic work as part of the wider fair. The Emerging Artist Prize is also described as returning, positioned as a platform for rising talent within an international art-fair environment.
WAD says gallery participation will include both UAE-based galleries and international markets, alongside independent artists and local talent.
Workshops, talks and Family Day
Beyond exhibitor stands, the announcement describes a four-day programme that includes workshops, talks, performances, live demonstrations, installations and participatory experiences.
WAD says more than 20 hands-on workshops will be included within the ticket price for adults and children. It also states that a free-to-attend talks programme will feature artists, curators and industry voices discussing creativity, professional practice and the art market.
Organisers add that Sunday, November 22 will be designated Family Day, with children’s workshops and creative activities. The fair also says schools will take part in 2026, with students invited to display their work and experience how artists, galleries and audiences come together in a professional art-fair setting.
Artist initiatives and partner support
WAD says it will host a dedicated Emirati Artists Pavilion to increase visibility and engagement for Emirati creative talent within the international fair environment. It also mentions an Artist in Residence Programme, which it says will connect artists with Dubai hotels and create opportunities to develop work and build audiences beyond the fair.
According to the announcement, current residency relationships include Hotel Indigo Downtown Dubai, SO/Uptown and Radisson RED, with residency activity continuing beyond World Art Dubai into 2027.
WAD says Dubai Culture is the strategic partner. It also lists sponsor roles including Knightsbridge Group as Legal Sponsor, Qube Art as Framing and Installation Sponsor, and DiarBID Art House as Official Artist Services Support Sponsor.
Organisers say the fair will run daily from 1pm to 9pm during November 19-22, 2026.