For anyone in the art world, this morning was not like the other. Today, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi has announced its partnership with one of the biggest art names — Frieze.

Frieze is a global contemporary art and culture platform encompassing an influential magazine and a network of major international art fairs. In other words, it’s the HBO of the art world.

To give you some context, founded in 1991 in London, Frieze has evolved into a leading voice in the art world, offering critical writing, exhibitions, and curated events that connect artists, galleries, collectors, and audiences. Its flagship fairs — held in cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul — showcase cutting-edge contemporary art alongside historical works, while the magazine and online platform continue to shape conversations around creativity, culture, and the art market.

Frieze is gearing up to bring its signature art fair experience to the Middle East, taking the reins of Abu Dhabi Art and debuting its own event in November 2026.

Essentially, this means that there is no doubt left about the position of the Middle East in the world’s art arena. Now it is pretty central, and the world is about to change.

“The evolution into Frieze Abu Dhabi builds on that legacy [the legacy of Abu Dhabi], reinforcing the emirate’s long-term cultural vision while extending the fair’s reach through Frieze’s international networks and expertise.

Anchored in its central role in the capital’s cultural life, the fair will continue an approach that remains rooted in discovery, dialogue and global perspectives. The collaboration represents the first major initiative under Frieze’s new ownership and reflects a shared ambition, underlining Abu Dhabi as a centre for culture and creativity, while giving Frieze a unique position in the Arabian Gulf’s most established art ecosystem,” reads the official statement.

The upcoming 2025 Abu Dhabi Art fair is set to return in its usual shape to Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 19 to 23, bringing together around 140 exhibitors — its biggest edition yet, up from just over 100 galleries last year.

Then, in November 2026, the venue will welcome the first-ever Frieze Abu Dhabi, promising the brand’s signature touch with a fresh focus on emerging talent and artist-driven projects. While Frieze hasn’t shared whether the number of galleries will change, the fair is expected to bring a distinctly global flair to the emirate’s thriving art scene.

The amazing Dyala Nusseibeh will continue in her role as fair director, ensuring continuity as the event transitions under Frieze.