Art Dubai to Launch 18th Edition Amid Surge in UAE Wealth
Art Dubai is set to return for its 18th edition next week, promising an invigorated showcase of contemporary art against the backdrop of Dubai's growing reputation as a cultural and financial hub. Running from April 16, with a VIP preview, at the Madinat Jumeirah, this year's fair will feature over 120 galleries, accompanied by a slate of new commissions, digital installations, and panel discussions — all aimed at exploring the interplay between culture and technology within today's art world. Since its founding in 2007, Art Dubai has positioned itself as far more than just a commercial fair. It has evolved into a creative incubator where regional voices meet global audiences, cementing its identity as a cultural bridge within the Middle East. This year's edition arrives at a moment when Dubai's art scene is experiencing newfound momentum, propelled by regional biennials and festivals that are putting the spotlight on Gulf art.
Recent additions to the region's cultural calendar — including the Sharjah Biennial, which held its 16th edition in February, and Saudi Arabia's second Islamic Arts Biennale, launched this January — reflect the Middle East's ambitious vision to develop as an international arts destination. Events such as the AlUla Arts Festival and Art Week Riyadh further solidify Saudi Arabia and the UAE's standing as serious players in the global cultural landscape.
This surge in cultural programming has not gone unnoticed by international galleries. Among this year's first-time exhibitors is New York-based Bortolami Gallery, whose participation signals growing Western interest in the region's market and creative networks. Senior director Evan Reiser described their presence at the fair as an 'exploratory mission' to better understand local collectors, meet artists, and assess future opportunities. 'We have to try to understand the market ahead of time and understand what people are looking for, meeting the obligation to our artists to introduce their work to new audiences,' Reiser noted.
The gallery will present works by an impressive roster of artists including Daniel Buren, Robert Bordo, and Leda Catunda, providing visitors a diverse glimpse into contemporary art's global landscape.
As Dubai's art fair matures, its local gallery scene is expanding in tandem. Sunny Rahbar, founder of The Third Line — one of the city's pioneering contemporary art galleries — notes the accelerating pace of growth. 'The art scene is booming,' Rahbar told ARTnews. 'So many galleries have opened in the last three or four years.' She attributes the post-pandemic surge to Dubai's swift reopening to tourism and its global reputation for resilience. Dubai's appeal has drawn not only Western collectors but also a wave of Arab expatriates, from Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran, who now see the UAE as both a cultural and economic home.
Reflecting that sentiment, The Third Line will exhibit works by Amir H. Fallah, Hayv Kahraman, and Kamran Samimi at this year's fair — each representing contemporary voices from the Middle East and its diaspora.
Art Dubai has become a symbol of the UAE's larger economic diversification strategy. Once heavily dependent on oil, the UAE's government has worked for more than a decade to reposition the Emirates as a cultural and business hub for the region. Landmark initiatives, such as the Saadiyat Island cultural district — home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi — are testament to the country's commitment to investing in the arts.
Non-oil sectors now account for nearly 75% of the UAE's GDP, with non-oil growth reaching 4.6% last year and projected to climb to 5% in 2025. Art Dubai, while modest in size compared to global fairs like Art Basel, continues to mirror this economic momentum and offers collectors, galleries, and artists an increasingly attractive gateway to the Middle Eastern art market.
As Mohammed Hafiz, cofounder of Jeddah-based ATHR gallery, puts it: 'The art market in Dubai, like the economy, is growing — it's maturing. You can't compare the UAE or Saudi Arabia to New York, of course, but, like anywhere in the art world, you travel to meet people and build relationships, and these relationships grow with time.'
This growth isn't confined to art alone. The rise in high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is reshaping Dubai's luxury ecosystem. A report by New World Wealth and Henley & Partners predicted a 39% surge in the number of HNWIs in the UAE between 2021 and 2026, from 160,000 to more than 228,000. Dubai itself has seen the number of millionaires double over the past decade, with forecasts suggesting this figure will double again by 2035.
'This is already impacting favorably on the luxury market in the region and will only stand to benefit Art Dubai and the galleries here in Dubai, which is very much the center of the Gulf and regional art market,' said Ben Floyd, CEO of Art Dubai Group.
To further strengthen its international profile, Art Dubai recently announced two significant leadership hires. Dunja Gottweis, formerly Art Basel's global head of gallery relations, was appointed as the new fair director, while Alexie Glass-Kantor, previously executive director of Artspace in Sydney, has stepped into the newly created role of executive director, curatorial. These appointments are already generating increased attention from collectors, partners, and galleries eager to enter the region's art market.
Much like Hong Kong's transformation into a gateway for global art and commerce, Dubai's blend of free trade zones, world-class security, and British-style legal frameworks continues to attract international talent and investment. Art Dubai, as both a cultural and commercial platform, is poised to evolve into a vital meeting ground for the international art world and a key barometer for the Gulf's flourishing creative economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
20 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UAE Carriers Ground Middle‑East Services Amid Israel–Iran Strikes
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport remains closed with no clear reopening date, while Iran, Iraq and Jordan have shut their airspace and forced rerouting, cancellations and suspensions across the region. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has cancelled its Tel Aviv flights until 30 June, with several Beirut and Amman services rerouted. Emirates has suspended routes to Tehran, Baghdad and Basra until at least 30 June, and flights to Amman and Beirut through 22 June. Flydubai has halted operations to Iran, Iraq, Israel and Syria until 30 June. Air Arabia and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi have also imposed temporary bans or schedule alterations for various Middle‑East destinations. A UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs advisory urges citizens and residents to closely monitor airline updates and remain in touch with Twajudi, the national consular registration system for managing potential evacuations. ADVERTISEMENT Regional airports are adapting under pressure. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have filed emergency plans to minimise disruption, deploying field teams and enhanced passenger support to handle thousands of affected travellers. Europe-bound flights are now navigating narrow air corridors via Turkey and Egypt, adding hours to journey times, increasing fuel consumption and driving up operational costs amid rising Brent crude prices. Why airspace closures are widening disruption Closure of airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria forces airlines to detail-call costly detours. Regional carriers like Emirates, Etihad and flydubai are most affected, but even Western carriers—Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, Ryanair, Wizz Air—have suspended affected routes through summer. The cascading effect on schedules includes over 1,800 Europe-bound flight disruptions, approximately 650 cancellations, and delays across transatlantic routes. Airlines have expanded rerouting through Central Asia and the Mediterranean — and passengers are incurring higher ticket prices and longer travel times. Passenger assistance measures Major UAE carriers are offering rebookings, refunds or credits. Etihad and Emirates are assisting passengers with alternate routing, and flydubai has pledged support for stranded individuals. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through 15 September, offering full refunds or rebooking. Safety remains top priority amid military skirmishes. EASA flagged high risks over conflict zones following missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, aligning with airspace closures through October in Syria and ongoing risks in Lebanon and Jordan. Wider implications for aviation and tourism Analysts warn disruptions may prolong as long-range military assets remain in play—fueling concerns about further airspace restrictions. Already, the Middle-East tourism boom has stalled, with summer travel projections for 2025 downgraded across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Airlines are adjusting summer schedules and revising revenue forecasts amid cascading delays and costlier operations. Governments and aviation bodies are in emergency sessions. The UAE's aviation regulator is coordinating with international counterparts, while civil aviation agencies across Europe are recalibrating route permissions and contingency plans—potentially impacting global air connectivity for weeks. Passengers are urged to monitor developments, confirm flight statuses directly with airlines or travel agents and consider flexible booking options as markets remain volatile.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
How outsourcing to the gulf region can benefit European and North American companies
The IT outsourcing world is growing fast and is expected to generate an impressive $591.24 billion in revenue by 2025. Most of the industry's revenue came from the Americas. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are close behind as big players in this booming market. While India and Eastern Europe still lead the pack in outsourcing with their solid setup and skilled workers, the Gulf is becoming a tech powerhouse. More and more European and North American IT firms are looking to this region. The Gulf Region as an Emerging Tech Hub Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, are rapidly accelerating their technological advancement initiatives. Governments in the region are putting big money into wide-ranging digital overhaul programs in both public and private areas. These key efforts aim to build up local innovation skills, create appealing settings for global tech firms, and set up lasting digital systems that can hold their own on the world stage. Main Benefits of Outsourcing to the Gulf for European and North American Companies Outsourcing IT operations to the Gulf region influences companies looking to improve their performance. This region reduces expenses through lower overhead and offers access to skilled tech professionals. Because of this, businesses can increase their productivity and edge out competitors. Cost Efficiency The Gulf region may not offer the lowest labor costs compared to India or the Philippines, but it delivers competitively high-quality services. Many Gulf nations give tax exemptions, lower business taxes, and set up free zones where businesses can work without paying VAT or income tax. Businesses that outsource to the Gulf can cut down on spending for buildings, staff training, and hiring. Skilled Workforce The Gulf region boasts a large and diverse talent pool with expertise in software development, AI, and more. Many professionals in the area have international certifications and experience working with Western companies. Time Zone Benefit One of the biggest advantages of outsourcing to the Gulf is that it sits on the clock. Overlapping business hours with countries like the U.K., Germany, and France makes it easier to manage outsourced teams without delays. Companies can have live meetings, and reviews, and get updates from Gulf-based teams during their normal work hours. Business-Friendly Environment The Gulf region stands out as a prime outsourcing spot for European and North American firms due to its political stability, business-friendly policies, and solid legal systems. Advanced Digital Infrastructure The Gulf region boasts good digital infrastructure, providing fast internet, cutting-edge data centers, and reliable cloud computing options—essential for companies to outsource IT services. Big tech firms like Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud operate data centers in the Gulf, offering secure and effective cloud solutions. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have put tough cybersecurity rules in place that line up with worldwide standards. 'Ideally, IT processes are running unnoticed in the background of your business because everything functions flawlessly and supports your work routine, not complicates it. As your IT outsourcing partner, we will strive for the ideal.' Andy Lipnitski - IT Director at ScienceSoft Challenges of Gulf Outsourcing and How to Overcome Them Cultural and Business Differences The Gulf region has a business culture all its own shaped by local customs, religious beliefs, and top-down company structures. Some nations operate from Sunday to Thursday, which might lead to scheduling challenges for firms in Europe and North America. Solutions: Train your teams to understand the Gulf's cultural norms and business etiquette. Set up structured communication channels to cut down on misunderstandings. Legal and CompliancenConsiderations Each Gulf country has its own rules for how businesses should operate, handle workers, pay taxes, and protect data. The Gulf region has multiple countries with their own regulatory systems. Solutions: Team up with firms that specialize in Gulf business regulations. Outsourcing contracts should line up with local labor laws. Data Security The region is currently developing into a technology and digital services hub, this growth will also present increasing threats to cybersecurity that could affect businesses. Solutions: Pick secure cloud solutions. Businesses should put worldwide cybersecurity plans into action to ensure their outsourced work meets industry standards. Case Studies: Companies Successfully Outsourcing BPC offers SaaS and on-site banking, payment, and e-commerce solutions. BPC partnered with ScienceSoft, an IT services provider with more than 13 years of experience. ScienceSoft took charge of providing L2–L3 infrastructure support, which covered network management, Microsoft and Atlassian systems support, and SharePoint optimization. Through this collaboration, BPC successfully optimized its in-house workload, improved issue resolution speed, and enhanced system performance through strategic infrastructure upgrades. Conclusion The Gulf area is a viable place for the European and North American companies to outsource IT services. Outsourcing to the Gulf indicates productivity and innovation improvement.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Work Smarter, Live Better: Productivity Hacks for Dubai's Busy Professionals
Ever feel like your day ends before it even begins? In Dubai, that's not unusual. Between back-to-back meetings, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and endless WhatsApp pings, the city moves fast and expects you to move faster. Skyscrapers rise, deals close and the hustle never really stops. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, managing a global team or building your own business, the pressure to perform is always on. But here's the truth: productivity isn't about squeezing more into your already-packed schedule. It's about working smarter. So you have time for the things that actually matter. That post-work gym session, dinner with family or just a quiet moment by the beach shouldn't feel like luxuries. Here's a break down of smart, actionable productivity hacks designed for Dubai's high-speed lifestyle. From time-saving tech to wellness routines that actually fit your day, this is your blueprint to working smarter and living better, right here in the city of ambition. Dubai's Unique Work Culture Dubai's work culture is a blend of global ambition and local nuances. Professionals often face longer hours than in many Western cities, with 8-10 hour days common in sectors like finance, real estate and tech. Commuting adds another layer, whether you're driving from Dubai Marina to DIFC or taking the Metro, travel time can eat into your day. Traffic peaks during rush hours, so planning around them is crucial. The city's multicultural workplaces are another defining feature. Teams often include colleagues from the UAE, India, Europe and beyond, each bringing unique communication styles. Building trust requires sensitivity to cultural norms, like respecting indirect feedback or prioritizing face-to-face meetings. Language barriers can slow things down, so clarity in emails and presentations is vital. Expectations around availability also stand out. Many professionals field WhatsApp messages or calls on weekends or after hours, especially in client-facing roles. Saying no can feel tricky in a culture that values responsiveness. Meanwhile, remote and hybrid work has gained traction post-COVID, with companies like Emirates and PwC offering flexible arrangements. Yet this flexibility can blur boundaries, making it harder to switch off. Understanding these dynamics is the first step to thriving. Tailoring your productivity strategies to Dubai's unique rhythm, long hours, diverse teams and constant connectivity, sets you up for success. Mastering Time Management in a 24/7 City Image Source: Visier Time management is your superpower in Dubai's always-on environment. The Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused 25-minute bursts followed by 5-minute breaks, works wonders here. Add a local twist: use break times for quick stretches or a walk to grab karak tea from the office cafeteria. This keeps you energized during long days. Time-blocking is another game-changer, especially with the UAE's Monday-to-Friday workweek. Map out your day in chunks: deep work in the morning, meetings in the afternoon and personal tasks like gym or family time in the evening. Sync your blocks with the city's flow: schedule calls with Europe early and Asia later to avoid late-night work. Align tasks with your peak energy hours. If you're sharpest in the morning, tackle high-priority projects then. Save routine tasks like emails for post-lunch slumps. Apps can streamline this. Notion is popular in Dubai for organizing projects and notes, while TickTick's clean interface suits task prioritization. Motion, an AI-driven scheduler, adjusts your calendar dynamically, perfect for unpredictable days. Experiment with these tools to find your fit. A solid time management system lets you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed by Dubai's relentless pace. Dubai's professionals thrive on tech to stay ahead. Here are local-favorite tools to boost your workflow: Scheduling: Calendly simplifies booking meetings across time zones, a must for Dubai's global teams. Link it with Zoom for seamless virtual calls. simplifies booking meetings across time zones, a must for Dubai's global teams. Link it with Zoom for seamless virtual calls. Automation: Zapier connects apps like Gmail and Slack, automating repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or updating CRM systems. connects apps like Gmail and Slack, automating repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or updating CRM systems. Note-taking: Evernote shines for capturing ideas on the go, with voice notes handy for multilingual professionals. shines for capturing ideas on the go, with voice notes handy for multilingual professionals. AI Assistants: transcribes meetings in real-time, supporting English and Arabic, ideal for diverse teams. Voice-to-text apps like Dragon Anywhere speed up drafting emails during commutes. transcribes meetings in real-time, supporting English and Arabic, ideal for diverse teams. Voice-to-text apps like Dragon Anywhere speed up drafting emails during commutes. Entrepreneur Tools: Zoho offers CRM and invoicing tailored for small businesses. Trello's visual boards keep freelance projects on track. Freshbooks simplifies invoicing for UAE's VAT requirements. offers CRM and invoicing tailored for small businesses. Trello's visual boards keep freelance projects on track. Freshbooks simplifies invoicing for UAE's VAT requirements. Digital Banking: Emirates NBD and Mashreq Neo provide instant transfers and invoicing tools, cutting admin time for entrepreneurs. These tools align with Dubai's fast-paced, tech-savvy culture. Pick one or two to start, and watch your efficiency soar. Streamlining Meetings & Communication Meetings can be a time sink in Dubai's corporate world. To avoid overload, question every invite. Does it need your input? Can it be an email? Politely decline non-essential ones, citing focus on priorities. For Zoom or Teams calls, especially with global teams, set clear start and end times. Share agendas beforehand to keep discussions on track. Test tech in advance; Dubai's internet is reliable, but glitches happen. For multicultural teams, use simple language and confirm understanding with quick recaps. Respect cultural norms in communication. In-person meetings often carry more weight than emails in Emirati culture, so prioritize face time for key stakeholders. Avoid overly direct criticism; frame feedback constructively. WhatsApp is king for quick updates, but set boundaries to avoid 24/7 pings. Always send concise follow-ups summarizing action items. Tools like Asana or help track tasks post-meeting. Streamlined communication saves hours and builds trust in diverse teams. Building Daily Micro-Habits for Success Small habits compound into big wins. Here's how to weave them into your Dubai routine: Morning Routine : Start with a 20-minute beach run along JBR or quiet prayer at a local mosque. Both ground you for the day. : Start with a 20-minute beach run along JBR or quiet prayer at a local mosque. Both ground you for the day. Desk Stretches : Do 5-minute shoulder rolls or wrist stretches hourly, especially during long desk sessions. Apps like Stretchly remind you. : Do 5-minute shoulder rolls or wrist stretches hourly, especially during long desk sessions. Apps like Stretchly remind you. Hydration : Keep a water bottle handy. Dubai's heat makes dehydration sneaky. Aim for 2-3 liters daily. : Keep a water bottle handy. Dubai's heat makes dehydration sneaky. Aim for 2-3 liters daily. Strategic Breaks : Use prayer times for mindfulness or take a 10-minute walk to a nearby café. Walking meetings in DIFC's open spaces spark creativity. : Use prayer times for mindfulness or take a 10-minute walk to a nearby café. Walking meetings in DIFC's open spaces spark creativity. Digital Boundaries: Mute non-urgent WhatsApp groups after 7 PM. Set 'Do Not Disturb' on Slack during deep work. These habits take minutes but boost focus and energy, helping you sustain Dubai's demanding pace. Outsourcing & Delegating Smartly Time is your most valuable asset in Dubai. Outsourcing frees you to focus on high-impact work. Personal assistant services like Time etc or Fancy Hands handle admin tasks like scheduling or research, tailored for UAE professionals. For daily errands, lean on local apps. Talabat delivers meals in under 30 minutes, saving cooking time. Careem offers rides and grocery runs, while Instashop stocks your fridge in an hour. These services are lifesavers during crunch periods. Business owners can tap virtual assistants via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, hiring talent for bookkeeping or social media. Concierge services like Quintessentially manage travel or event planning, popular among Dubai's executives. Delegating smartly lets you reclaim hours for strategy or rest. Health, Wellness & Work-Life Balance Burnout is real in Dubai's high-stakes environment. Prioritize health to stay sharp. Fitness hubs like Fitness First or FitRepublik offer flexible classes for busy schedules. Yoga studios in JLT or Marina cater to stress relief. Mental health support is growing. Apps like Talkspace connect you with therapists, while clinics like The LightHouse Arabia offer in-person sessions. Support groups on Meetup provide community. For work detox, escape the city. Drive to Hatta for hiking or Fujairah for beach retreats. Desert camping at Al Qudra resets your mind. During peak seasons like Ramadan or Expo, schedule downtime to manage stress. Balance isn't a luxury—it's essential for sustained success. Productivity in Dubai isn't about doing more; it's about doing what matters. The city's fast pace can push you to the edge, but with the right habits, you can thrive without burning out. Start small: try time-blocking your next workday or muting WhatsApp after hours. These hacks aren't just about work; they're about creating space for life, whether it's a family iftar, a gym session, or a quiet moment watching the Burj Khalifa light up. Dubai rewards those who move fast, but you don't have to race to the finish line. Pick one or two strategies from this guide, test them today, and build a career that fuels your life, not drains it. Also Read: Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing in the Hustle Culture The toxic elements of hustle culture can have detrimental effects on mental health. Retirement Without Regret: How to Find Meaning Beyond a Job Title This is your guide to navigating retirement with purpose, clarity and zero regrets. It's about rediscovering yourself in a city that never slows down, finding meaning beyond the paycheck and crafting a second chapter that's as vibrant as Dubai itself. Read more. Mental Health in the Fast Lane: Keeping It Together in Dubai's Hustle The constant buzz of notifications, the race to meet deadlines and the pressure to look like you've got it all together can weigh heavily. But what happens when the pressure builds and the cracks start to show? Read more on how to stay mentally fit. How Someone Can Love Their Job and Still Want to Quit Every Day You can love your job and still feel like quitting. This article explores why and what to do when passion meets burnout in today's work culture. Do We Miss Out on Life Because Everything's Too Convenient Now? Are we gaining comfort at the cost of connection? This article explores how too much convenience may quietly strip the meaning from our everyday lives.
