Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has officially inaugurated the 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art. The event is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Theyab toured the fair, which includes art galleries and pavilions from across the globe. This year’s edition hosts 102 galleries from 31 countries, showcasing over 1,500 artworks. Marking its largest iteration, the fair welcomes 42 new galleries, with participants from Qatar, Kuwait, and Kazakhstan making their debut. Additionally, Emirati artist Mohamed Kazem has been selected as the Fair’s Visual Campaign Artist, acknowledging his significant contributions to the UAE’s art scene.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab emphasized the importance of t
he Abu Dhabi Art Fair, noting its evolution into a pivotal cultural event that enriches Abu Dhabi’s artistic environment. He highlighted the fair’s role in showcasing creative talent and promoting cultural dialogue, which extends the UAE’s artistic influence locally and globally. His Highness praised the event for highlighting the depth of UAE’s artistic culture, reflecting the country’s national identity and rich artistic heritage.
The fair, running until November 24, 2024, at Manarat Al Saadiyat, serves as a premier platform for art enthusiasts. It brings together over 100 local and international galleries, providing an opportunity to engage with a wide range of cultural and artistic experiences. It also supports the local art community and strengthens cross-cultural ties.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, remarked on the fair’s role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant cultural center. He stated that the event and its programming open new avenues
for creativity, supporting local talent while fostering a thriving creative industry in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Al Mubarak emphasized the fair’s position as a global hub for creativity, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s influence in the cultural and artistic realms.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab was accompanied at the event by several notable figures, including Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President; Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President; Mohammed Ahmad Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi; Rita Aoun, Executive Director of Culture at DCT Abu Dhabi; and Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art Fair.
