Art Dubai is the latest fair to be upended by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. As Iran continues to incite the United Arab Emirates, resulting in eight deaths, 157 injuries and damage to Dubai International Airport, the UAE’s leading art fair has announced that its upcoming art fair will not take place in April as planned.
Instead, the show will take place in an “adjusted format” from May 14 to May 17 at its long-time home, Madinat Jumeirah, the fair said in a statement on Thursday.
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“Following our last communication, we have been in close dialogue with all stakeholders and during these discussions it remains clear to us that maintaining the platform Art Dubai represents is important to the wider cultural ecosystem,” the statement read before announcing the new dates. “This edition will take a more focused and flexible format, bringing together galleries, artists and institutions through a combination of presentations, collaborations and public programming.”
In another email attributed to Dunja Gottweiss and posted by The Art NewspaperGalleries participating in the May event will not have to pay a booth fee but will be charged a percentage of their sales, up to a cap equal to the booth fee, the fair director said. according to The Art NewspaperBooth fees at Art Dubai are $739 per square foot, with booth prices ranging from $15,000 to $60,000. However, if an accepted gallery refuses to participate, it will still have to pay the booth fee and its participation will be “extended” until 2027.
Just as the Gulf region has become key to the art market—Art Basel launched a Qatari edition in February and Frieze launched its renamed Abu Dhabi Art Fair in November—the Middle East is once again in turmoil. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, kicking off the ongoing war with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran has retaliated by attacking U.S. bases and allies in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.
The attacks resulted in the temporary closure of Emirati airspace and numerous airlines cutting flights to Dubai and surrounding areas, raising questions about how art, dealers and collectors will get to the region when fairs resume.
The news is undoubtedly a blow to Art Dubai, which has seemed to gain traction in recent years as art dealers, museums and collectors turn their attention to the Gulf region. Despite high tensions and threats of force leading to the current war, Art Basel Qatar completed its first edition in early February without much incident.
