Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurates 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has inaugurated the 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. 

His Highness toured the fair to explore art galleries and pavilions from around the globe. This year’s edition features a diverse line-up of 102 galleries from 31 countries, presenting over 1,500 artworks. This year is the event’s largest edition, welcoming 42 new galleries joining the fair for the first time, including participants from Qatar, Kuwait, and Kazakhstan. As part of the event, the Emirati artist Mohamed Kazem has been chosen as the fair’s Visual Campaign Artist, in recognition of his profound impact on the UAE’s art scene. 

Highlighting the fair’s significance, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that Abu Dhabi Art Fair has evolved into a key cultural event, enriching the emirate’s artistic landscape and showcasing exceptional creative talent, recognising their role in advancing the art movement locally, regionally, and globally, as well as their efforts in enhancing cultural dialogue and promoting artistic exchange with audiences across borders. His Highness commended the fair’s vital role in highlighting the depth of the UAE’s artistic culture, reflecting the authenticity of the national identity and the richness of the Emirati artistic heritage.

His Highness praised Abu Dhabi Art Fair’s impact on promoting cultural exchange and nurturing art and creativity, and underscored the importance of these artistic initiatives that cement Abu Dhabi’s status as a global cultural hub and a source of inspiration for artists and creators worldwide.

Running until 24th of November 2024 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the four-day event serves as a premier platform for art enthusiasts, bringing together over 100 local and international galleries. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of cultural and artistic experiences, while supporting the local art community and strengthening cross-cultural ties.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi Art plays a vital role in both showcasing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant cultural centre and connecting the emirate to a wider global discourse. The fair and its programming open up new avenues for creativity and expression, supporting local talent while fostering a thriving creative industry in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

“Abu Dhabi Art Fair stands as a global hub for creativity, reflecting the emirate’s growing influence in the cultural and artistic arena. Through this annual event, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting artists and fostering cultural exchange, establishing Abu Dhabi as a beacon for arts, culture, and innovation, and using the power of art and culture to foster connections among communities across different cultures.” 

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was accompanied by Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to His Highness the UAE President; His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmad Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi); His Excellency 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.