Art Basel is set to expand to the Gulf with its new edition in Qatar, marking an exciting development for the region’s art scene.
Art Basel Expands to the Gulf With a New Qatar Edition in 2026
A Boutique Fair for Doha: The Concept Behind Art Basel Qatar
Art Basel is set to expand to the Gulf with its new edition in Qatar, marking an exciting development for the region’s art scene. Conceived as a boutique fair, the inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar will feature a curated roster of approximately fifty galleries, significantly smaller than Art Basel‘s other editions. The fair promises to give international galleries meaningful access to the dynamic MENA region, while also boosting the visibility of Qatar‘s already branded institutions.
Art Basel Qatar is a premier art fair held annually in Doha, Qatar.
The event brings together international galleries and artists to showcase modern and contemporary art.
Founded in 2019, the fair aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and artistic exchange between East and West.
Art Basel Qatar features a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and photography.
The fair also includes programming such as talks, performances, and workshops.
In its inaugural year, the event attracted over 30,000 visitors.
Qatar’s Vision for a Knowledge-Based Economy
Qatar is investing heavily in museums, cultural initiatives, and large events spanning the arts and sports sectors as part of its National Vision 2030. The country aims to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy, with culture and the creative industries playing a crucial role. ‘Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani‘, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, has stated that strong cultural and athletic ecosystems can ‘break down barriers, create shared experiences, increase understanding and drive positive change‘.
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is a Qatari royal and member of the ruling family.
Born in 1983, she is known for her philanthropic efforts and patronage of arts and culture.
As Chairperson of Qatar Museums, she oversees the country's museum sector, promoting cross-cultural understanding through 'art exhibitions and programs'.
Sheikha Al Mayassa has also founded the Doha International Family Institute and the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
Her initiatives have contributed significantly to Qatar's cultural development.
A New Chapter for Art Basel in the Gulf
The new edition of Art Basel Qatar will take place at the M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb. The initiative was born out of a partnership between Art Basel parent company MCH Group, creative collective QC+, and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). This collaboration aims to help the fair reach the right audiences across Doha and the broader Gulf, while also amplifying artistic dialogues and further extending the global reach of Art Basel‘s ecosystem.
A Shifting Dynamic in the Regional Art Market
The leading regional art fairs, such as Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art, have faced notable declines in participation from blue-chip galleries and established international dealers. The recent Art Dubai saw only a handful of returning international dealers take part, including Perrotin, ‘Almine Rech, Peres Projects, Galleria Continua, Waddington Custot, and Bortolami.’ However, several established Dubai-based galleries are now appearing regularly on the international circuit.
Art Dubai is a bi-annual art fair held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Established in 2007, it has become one of the largest and most prestigious art fairs in the region.
The event showcases modern and contemporary art from around the world, with a focus on artists from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Each edition features over 90 galleries from more than 50 countries, exhibiting works by established and emerging artists.
Art Dubai also hosts various programs, including talks, performances, and workshops.
A New Era for Art Basel in Qatar
Art Basel‘s arrival is expected to shift this dynamic, offering a more robust platform to connect the international art world with the Gulf while accelerating the development of the region’s own scene. The fair will draw attention to emerging galleries, artists, and residency programs, while also boosting the visibility of Qatar‘s already branded institutions. As CEO Noah Horowitz stated, ‘Growing the global art market, supporting artists and galleries and developing new collecting audiences is core to Art Basel‘s mission.‘
