Frieze Abu Dhabi unveils inaugural artistic programme celebrating regional and global perspectives
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Frieze have announced a carefully curated programme for the inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 80 galleries from 36 countries and regions to celebrate artistic dialogue across generations and geographies.
Frieze Abu Dhabi will make its debut from 19th to 22nd November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, establishing itself as a significant cultural milestone for the Emirate. The inaugural fair represents a thoughtful response to Abu Dhabi’s distinguished artistic heritage and its expanding presence within the international art community.
The curatorial vision centres on three major artistic initiatives that reflect the fair’s commitment to elevating regional voices alongside established international practices. The inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award, curated by renowned art historian Nabila Abdel Nabi, honours Beirut- and London-based artist Dala Nasser. Her commissioned site-responsive work, Qubbat Duris, draws inspiration from a 13th-century monument near Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, whose architectural composition of Roman limestone sarcophagi and ancient granite columns embodies the region’s transcultural legacy.
In Dialogue, a new annual flagship exhibition conceived by the Abu Dhabi-based Dirwaza Curatorial Lab in collaboration with co-curators Hessa Al Nuaimi and Dania Al Tamimi, presents a compelling conversation between established and emerging Emirati artists. Titled At Another Meeting Point, this inaugural presentation pairs artist Mohammed Kazem with emerging talent Alia Zaal, creating unexpected connections that traverse generational boundaries.
The programme extends into the public sphere through Frieze Sculpture Abu Dhabi, unfolding as an immersive journey across form, material and temporal considerations at Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat Island. Works including Zeinab Alhashemi’s The Nut and Bolt, presented by Tabari, reimagine everyday urban elements through artistic vision. Additional contributions from Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Imran Qureshi and Kamran Samimi continue this exploration of material, ecological and spatial concerns.
Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Frieze Abu Dhabi, underscored the fair’s significance: the programme positions artistic vision at its heart, reflecting the Emirate’s rich cultural landscape whilst connecting local practices to broader international conversations.
Running from 16th November to 16th December, Frieze Sculpture Abu Dhabi is presented by Aldar, the fair’s official partner. A comprehensive programme of talks featuring artists, curators, museum leaders and patrons will illuminate the fair’s curatorial themes and wider art world discourse, with full details to be announced in October.
Source: WAM