Art advisor and collector Elen Levitt shares the highlights of the 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, held from 20 to 24 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The fair brought together 102 galleries from 31 countries, with over 35,000 visitors attending, serving as a vital bridge between Arab heritage and the global art community. Special attention was given to the VIP programme, aimed at strengthening ties with prominent collectors from Russia, China, Italy, Turkey, and Germany.
The fair showcased more than 500 artists and over 1,500 artworks, organised into seven thematic sections. New additions included Something Bold and Something New, featuring contemporary works from MENA artists, as well as Silk Road: Drifting Identities, highlighting galleries and artists from Central Asia and the Caucasus. The Collector’s Salon was a highlight, presenting manuscripts, rare antique books, and unique art objects, including a conceptual rug by Mona Hatoum valued at $150,000.
The main exhibitions featured galleries from the Emirates and neighbouring countries including Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait, allowing visitors to explore the visual culture of the Middle East and support artists from conflict regions. Abu Dhabi Art also reflected a global perspective, with galleries from Hong Kong, South Korea, and the African continent participating. Works by masters like El Anatsui and William Kentridge emphasised cultural diversity.
Galleries from post-Soviet states, such as Pygmalion from Kazakhstan, showcased both classical and contemporary works. At the main entrance, visitors were greeted by a striking matte sphere by Anish Kapoor. The booth of pop/off/art, the only Russian gallery at the fair, featured Irina Nakhova’s Ironing Boards installation, valued at $85,000 — the first edition of this work is part of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
The 2024 edition also marked the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, transforming the city into an open-air exhibition with artworks integrated into the urban landscape until April 2025. The anticipated 2025 openings of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum will further strengthen the UAE’s role as a cultural hub.