Art Dubai attracts gala of dilettantes 2 days before its formal opening

By Salih Seref

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AA) - The Middle East's leading international art fair opened for a preview in Dubai on Wednesday, attracting a gala of dilettantes two days before its formal opening in the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

More than 120 galleries from 40 countries will participate in the 17th edition of Art Dubai, which will formally open on Friday in its iconic home at Madinat Jumeirah and will run through Sunday.

The fair will present exciting new global perspectives in four sections, including contemporary, modern, bawwaba, and digital, according to a statement on the organizer's website.

This year, the Zilberman Gallery and Sanatorium galleries from Türkiye are participating in the “contemporary” section.

At the preview launch, Art Dubai Executive Director Benedetta Ghione said the fair benefits the economy through a unique and independent model.

“As an art fair, Art Dubai calls on us to rethink its role in supporting the growth of the creative economy and creating new opportunities for artists and makers. In doing so, it is important that we preserve our culture and continue to reflect the spirit of innovation found in this unique city and the diverse communities that live in Dubai,” she said.

Art Director Pablo del Val said this year's fair will focus on “diverse and often underrepresented voices.”

“Art Dubai is the meeting point for creative communities from the truly global art world,” he said, inviting visitors to explore the “breadth and depth” of the program.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar