Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, today opened the 17th edition of ‘Art Dubai,’ the premier international art fair for the Middle East and Global South.
Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the exhibition runs from March 1-3 at Madinat Jumeirah, with VIP previews on Feb.28 and 29.
Featuring over 120 contemporary, modern, and digital galleries, the event solidifies its status as a leading international platform that blends digital art with contemporary art, enriching Dubai’s creative landscape and affirming its role as a regional and international hub for cultural innovation.
Sheikha Latifa highlighted Art Dubai as a premier international platform for artistic innovation. She applauded it as an intellectual and artistic platform drawing creatives worldwide to share their experiences and pioneering ideas, thereby spotlighting breakthrough artistic trends. "Innovation is at the core of Dubai’s essence, as we continually shape the future of cultural and artistic creativity through our dynamic initiatives, programmes and events, reflecting our city’s forward-looking approach. By leveraging our distinctive cultural diversity and the prowess of our creative community, Dubai will continue to empower the cultural and creative industries sector towards the emirate’s sustainable development,” Her Highness said.
Sheikha Latifa being briefed during her visit to the exhibition in Dubai. WAM
Sheikha Latifa added: "Art Dubai resonates deeply with the creative community’s goals and aspirations, having expanded the scope of artistic exploration and leveraging innovation to enhance the city’s distinct creative landscape through its prior editions, becoming a regionally and internationally recognised vibrant artistic movement. The increasing eagerness of artists from various countries to participate underscores the exhibition’s consistent success, establishing it as a platform for creativity and innovation.”
Diverse Programme
Sheikha Latifa toured Art Dubai and was briefed on the diverse programme awaiting art enthusiasts. She commended the organisers for their pivotal role in fostering a creative platform that bolsters Dubai’s attractiveness as a cultural hub and keeps it engaged with local and international artists, innovators, and cultural partners. Their efforts highlighted the shared optimism for the artistic sector’s future in Dubai and the emirate’s significant efforts to promote the arts and integrate technology within the sector, aligning with its focus on digital transformation as envisioned by its leadership to keep its place among the best cities in the world to live, work, and visit, she said.
Art Dubai, a premier event of the Dubai Art Season 2024, continues to enrich the emirate’s artistic landscape, and this year’s edition features over 120 contemporary, modern, and digital galleries, with more than 65% of them representing the Global South. By emphasising art and galleries from regions often overlooked on the global stage, Art Dubai acts as a crucial platform for diverse artistic expressions. This year’s event boasts the most significant number of Dubai-based exhibitors yet, further underlining the growth of the emirate as a commercial art centre. Gallery sections Art Dubai Digital remains the only section of any major international art fair dedicated to new media and digital art.
WAM