Art Dubai 2025 opens with global focus on migration, displacement and digital futures

Art Dubai 2025, one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, opened its doors with an exclusive preview this week.

The prestigious event, held at Madinat Jumeirah, brings together over 120 galleries from 65 cities across five continents, showcasing a diverse and thought-provoking range of contemporary, modern, and digital artworks.

Art as a bridge in a changing world

During the opening press conference, Art Dubai Executive Director Benedetta Ghione emphasized the event’s cultural significance, stating:

“Culture plays a crucial role in building connections. Here in Dubai, we foster meaningful relationships with art lovers from across the globe. As the world evolves, so too does our cultural narrative. That’s why Art Dubai needs to reflect and respond to the new contexts we find ourselves in.”

Focusing on migration, displacement, and digital evolution

Artistic Director Pablo del Val underlined the growing strength of the fair’s curatorial program, highlighting this year’s focus on pressing global issues such as migration and displacement.

“These topics are at the core of our discussions,” said del Val. “We are obsessed with exploring them, especially in these challenging times marked by conflict and transformation. Our digital section this year delves into artificial intelligence, showcasing a world in mutation. It’s thrilling to see traditional and digital artists engage in dialogue and imagine new creative futures.”

Türkiye takes spotlight

Art Dubai 2025 also features notable participation from Türkiye, with four galleries contributing to this year’s edition. In the Contemporary section, Turkish galleries Dirimart, x-ist, and Sanatorium present their latest works, offering visitors a glimpse into Türkiye’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Meanwhile, in the Digital section, Istanbul-based Ouchhh Studio presents a groundbreaking digital installation that translates human brain activity into visual art, blending science, emotion, and AI-driven creativity.

Bawwaba, modern, contemporary, and digital come together

The 2025 edition of the fair includes four curated sections: Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Digital.

This year, 30 galleries are participating for the first time, reaffirming Art Dubai’s status as a platform for innovation and discovery in the global art world.

As Dubai approaches the 20th anniversary of this influential fair, del Val reflected on the fair’s evolution:

“As a multicultural hub, Dubai has become a vital market and platform for artists and galleries from across the region. We are proud to support voices from the Gulf and beyond, contributing to a more inclusive and global art conversation.”

The preview days of Art Dubai 2025 are being held today and tomorrow, with public access scheduled from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah.