Art Dubai returns

Art Dubai returns this spring as a "special edition" at Madinat Jumeirah from May 15–17, 2026, with a VIP preview on May 14. (artdubai.ae) Organizers say the May fair will include roughly 75 presentations across galleries, institutions and artist commissions spanning contemporary, modern and digital programmes. (artnews.com) The fair was postponed by about a month after the US–Israel war in Iran, and around 75 galleries that had been due to exhibit in the original April slot withdrew from the revised schedule. (theartnewspaper.com) DIFC Art Nights returns for its 21st edition from April 23–26 at Gate Village, featuring film screenings, global art installations, panel talks and live performances. (difc.com) The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is participating in DIFC Art Nights from April 23–26, staging performances, workshops and a panel tied to ISEA2026. (wam.ae) Event listings and previews show the city’s cultural week widening its footprint by pairing indoor gallery programming at Madinat Jumeirah with open‑air activations across DIFC’s Gate Village. (whatson.ae) (difc.com) Art Dubai has also introduced a revised commercial model for 2026, waiving fixed stand fees and instead charging a percentage of sales capped at a stand‑fee equivalent, organisers said. (theartnewspaper.com) “Current circumstances mean that this may not be what we had planned to mark our 20th edition, but the galleries and wider programmes represent what makes Art Dubai both unique and special,” said Benedetta Ghione, executive director of Art Dubai Group, as the fair prepares to open in mid‑May. (whatson.ae)