Staging its 14th edition in a purpose-built venue at the iconic Gate Building in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Art Dubai, the Middle East’s leading art fair, returns from 29 March to 3 April 2021. 

Creating a secure, safe and flexible environment for participants and visitors, the fair will ensure the highest COVID-19 safety protocols including physical distancing and capacity management.

The new Art Dubai app will allow visitors to stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements, explore the exhibiting galleries and artworks, view the full programme of exhibitions and cultural events happening across the UAE and book their tickets and dedicated time slots in advance, ensuring the venue’s capacity can be managed efficiently. 

50 leading Contemporary galleries from 31 countries, including 10 of Dubai’s top galleries, will showcase a diverse selection of artworks, artists and practices, reflecting the multicultural identity of the city. 

As part of this year’s curatorial projects, visitors can explore an engaging outdoor sculpture park and a video art programme comprised of more than short films from 20+ artists. 

Within Gate Avenue will sit an exhibition of archival images celebrating the 50th anniversary of the unification of the United Arab Emirates. The exhibition is in line with Art Dubai’s 2021 visual campaign which features rare historical images taken on 2 December 1971. These photographs will be displayed in the avenue, showcasing the occasion and festivities from the day the agreement was made. The images used in the exhibition are courtesy of ©Ramesh Shukla, whose work is also displayed in a permanent exhibition at The Etihad Museum. 

DIFC is also renowned for its thriving social scene and is turning into the city’s food capital. It is the home to international hotspots like Zuma, La Petite Maison, as well as Indochine and Marea from New York, Amazonico from Madrid and homegrown Asian concept, Shanghai Me.