Abu Dhabi Art 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Creative Innovation

The vibrant city of Abu Dhabi is gearing up for one of its most anticipated cultural events of the year—Abu Dhabi Art 2025. This renowned art fair will take place from November 19 to 23 at the iconic Manarat Al Saadiyat, a space synonymous with artistic excellence and innovation. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair is not just an exhibition of contemporary art but a dynamic platform that connects artists, collectors, curators, and visionaries from around the world. With a bold and thought-provoking visual campaign led by acclaimed Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou, this year’s edition promises to be a deep dive into the transformative power of art.

Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Powerhouse in the Art World

Abu Dhabi has cemented itself as a thriving cultural hub, seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge artistic movements. The city is home to a rich artistic heritage, while also making significant investments in contemporary and futuristic expressions of creativity. Its commitment to art is evident in its growing collection of world-class museums, including the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. But Abu Dhabi Art is more than just a fair—it is a movement, a year-round initiative designed to foster artistic dialogue, nurture emerging talent, and solidify the city’s position as a leader in the global art scene.

Every year, Abu Dhabi Art selects a Visual Campaign Artist whose work will define the fair’s aesthetic and conceptual themes. This year, the honor has been bestowed upon Shaikha Al Mazrou, an artist whose approach to sculpture redefines materiality and perception. Her art, which merges industrial materials with a deep conceptual understanding of form and space, reflects the evolving spirit of Abu Dhabi—a city that continually reinvents itself while staying rooted in its heritage.

Shaikha Al Mazrou: Redefining Materiality Through Sculpture

Shaikha Al Mazrou is not just a sculptor; she is an alchemist of materials, transforming everyday industrial elements into thought-provoking artistic statements. Represented by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery in Dubai, Al Mazrou’s work draws inspiration from Modernist and Bauhaus greats such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Carl Andre. However, she takes these influences and reinterprets them through a contemporary lens, creating pieces that challenge the traditional boundaries of sculpture.

Her art often explores the tension between stability and movement, solidness and fluidity. Using mass-produced materials like metal, electronic waste, and construction elements, she crafts sculptures that appear weightless despite their industrial origins. This paradox lies at the heart of her artistic philosophy—questioning what we think we know and pushing the viewer to see beyond the physicality of the work.

Her selection as the Visual Campaign Artist for Abu Dhabi Art 2025 is a testament to her influence in the art world and the fair’s commitment to showcasing groundbreaking artistic perspectives. As she eloquently states, “Art isn’t about making things. It’s about provoking thought. It’s a language that doesn’t need borders, yet we still insist on them.”

A Visual Campaign That Challenges Perception

For the 2025 edition, Abu Dhabi Art has chosen a visual campaign centered around Al Mazrou’s innovative exploration of material transformation. Her work repurposes discarded industrial matter from UAE fabrication sites, breathing new life into overlooked and forgotten materials. This theme resonates deeply with the broader narrative of Abu Dhabi—a city that has evolved from a desert landscape into a futuristic metropolis, continuously reinventing itself through visionary ideas and artistic expression.

Dyala Nusseibeh, the Director of Abu Dhabi Art, spoke about Al Mazrou’s impact on the fair: “Shaikha participated in our 2017 edition of Abu Dhabi Art as a Beyond Emerging Artist, and we are thrilled to see the progression in her career. Her ability to experiment with materials and create infinite moments of becoming aligns perfectly with the spirit of this fair.”

A major highlight of the fair will be Beyond All Measures (2024), an artwork by Al Mazrou that encapsulates the concept of transformation. Created through oxidation on brass, the piece examines the horizon as a metaphor for change and shifting perceptions. The colors of the metal, shaped by heat and oxygen, reflect the unstable nature of our understanding of the world

A Global Platform for Artistic Innovation

Abu Dhabi Art 2025 is more than an exhibition; it is an immersive cultural experience that unites artistic communities from across the globe. The fair’s curated selection of galleries will showcase cutting-edge works from both established and emerging artists, making it a must-visit destination for collectors and enthusiasts. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for cultural exchange, where diverse artistic voices converge to create a dialogue that transcends borders.

Beyond the gallery spaces, the fair will feature a series of thought-provoking public programs, including artist talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. These initiatives aim to foster deeper engagement with art, allowing visitors to connect with the creative process and the minds behind the masterpieces. The fair also places a strong emphasis on education, inspiring young artists through mentorship programs and collaborative projects that encourage creative exploration.

Abu Dhabi’s Vision for the Future of Art

Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the arts is not just about exhibitions; it is about shaping the future of creative expression. The city’s investment in cultural infrastructure, from major museums to independent art initiatives, reflects a forward-thinking approach that balances heritage with innovation. Abu Dhabi Art plays a crucial role in this vision, acting as a bridge between tradition and contemporary artistic practices.

The fair’s impact extends far beyond its five-day duration. Through its year-round initiatives, it nurtures local talent and connects Emirati artists with the global art community. Shaikha Al Mazrou’s growing international recognition is a perfect example of this. Her works are housed in prestigious collections, including the RMZ Foundation, Art Jameel, and The Farjam Foundation. She has also received accolades such as the Paulo Cunha e Silva Art Prize (2020) and a nomination for the Louvre Abu Dhabi Richard Mille Art Prize. As an Assistant Arts Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, she continues to shape the next generation of artists, further solidifying the UAE’s role in the global art conversation.

The Excitement Builds for Abu Dhabi Art 2025

As the countdown begins for Abu Dhabi Art 2025, the anticipation is palpable. This year’s edition promises to be an extraordinary celebration of creativity, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural dialogue. With Shaikha Al Mazrou leading the visual campaign, visitors can expect an experience that challenges their perceptions, inspires their imagination, and deepens their appreciation for contemporary art.

Abu Dhabi Art is more than a fair—it is a movement, a statement, and a testament to the power of art to transform, question, and redefine our world. As November approaches, the eyes of the global art community will turn to Abu Dhabi, ready to witness the evolution of creativity in a city that continues to shape the future of art. For artists, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, this is an event that cannot be missed—a moment where art and innovation come together to create something truly extraordinary.