Organisers of Art Dubai have announced that the 2026 edition will move to May, with the fair set to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from May 14 to 17, in a revised and more flexible format.

The event had previously been scheduled for April, but the change comes amid evolving regional circumstances that have led to the postponement of several major events. Organisers noted that the decision followed discussions with galleries, artists and cultural partners, ensuring the continued support of the regional art ecosystem.

This year’s edition will adopt a more focused and adaptable model, bringing together galleries, artists and institutions through a mix of presentations, collaborations and public programming, allowing for deeper engagement across the art community.

Marking its 20th anniversary, Art Dubai has played a key role in shaping the region’s commercial art infrastructure and remains a central fixture in the Gulf’s cultural calendar. The 2026 fair will also be the first under the direction of Dunja Gottweis.

In recent years, the fair has expanded beyond its annual event, developing year-round programming and institutional partnerships across Dubai, including initiatives such as Dubai Collection Nights in collaboration with Dubai Culture.

Initial plans for the 2026 edition include more than 100 presentations from over 35 countries, spanning contemporary, modern and digital art, alongside curated sections such as Bawwaba and Art Dubai Digital.

Further details regarding the updated format and participating galleries are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.