Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism announces the launch of "Freeze Abu Dhabi"

ABU DHABI, October 10 / WAM / The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi announced its partnership with Frieze to transform the “Abu Dhabi Art” exhibition into “Frieze Abu Dhabi”, in a step that represents a new chapter in the emirate’s role on the global art scene.

For seventeen years, the Abu Dhabi Art exhibition has formed a cornerstone of the regional cultural scene, and has become a prominent station on the artistic agenda in the region. It derives its position from an integrated system of international museums, artistic residency programs, and established cultural institutions that nurture talent and support emerging artists. This has contributed to consolidating its reputation as a reliable forum that attracts an international base of collectors that reflects the spirit of Abu Dhabi International and its prestigious position.

The development of the exhibition into “Frieze Abu Dhabi” comes as an extension of this legacy, and an embodiment of the long-term cultural vision of the emirate, while expanding the scope of the exhibition through Frieze’s international networks and expertise in this field.

In its new format, the exhibition will continue its pivotal role in the cultural life of the capital, while maintaining its approach based on discovery, dialogue and openness to global viewpoints.

The partnership represents the first major initiative within the new cooperation with Frieze, and reflects a shared ambition to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for culture and creativity, while giving Frieze a distinguished position within the most established artistic systems in the Arabian Gulf region.

His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “For nearly two decades, Abu Dhabi Art has reflected our vision of culture as a platform for dialogue, communication and creativity, supported by a vibrant system of museums, residency programs and institutions that sponsor established and emerging artists alike. The launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi comes as a natural development of this journey, as it stems from Art’s achievements.” Abu Dhabi to take it to the global stage, confirming the emirate’s position as a cultural capital, and at the same time providing Farez with a unique gateway to the region. “Together, we are establishing an exhibition with a broad international presence and strong roots in Abu Dhabi’s cultural values and components.”

Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, said: “We are proud to work alongside the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to launch Frieze Abu Dhabi. The emirate’s cultural leadership, its world-class museums and institutions, along with its firm commitment to the arts, form a solid foundation for this cooperation, and by taking advantage of Frieze’s global network, we can enhance Abu Dhabi’s achievements and open new horizons.” To discover, highlight artistic practices in the region, and form a platform for global artistic dialogue and exchange.”

Frieze Abu Dhabi will present a unique approach that keeps pace with Frieze’s global style, by highlighting contemporary artistic practices, highlighting artist-led projects, and providing a space for interaction between the region and the international art scene. Abu Dhabi, with its unparalleled cultural system, provides the ideal context for this cooperation, and the joint exhibition’s focus on discovery and dialogue will highlight the strength of the emirate’s cultural scene and strengthen its position on the global artistic map.

The inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi is scheduled to be held in November 2026 at Manarat Saadiyat, with the participation of a group of the most prominent galleries from the Middle East and the world.

Deutsche Bank, the main global partner of Frieze, will continue its long-term support for the exhibition, as an extension of its cooperation with all Frieze exhibitions around the world.

As for the 2025 edition of “Abu Dhabi Art,” it will be held according to its current form as planned, with the phase of transformation into “Frieze Abu Dhabi” beginning with the 2026 edition, ensuring continued participation by galleries and the public this year, and preparing for a new phase in the exhibition’s journey.

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