Art Dubai 2025, held from April 16 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah, reaffirmed its status as a dynamic platform for collectors, gallerists, and art enthusiasts. Featuring over 120 galleries from 65 cities, the fair offered a comprehensive overview of emerging artistic trends, with a particular focus on Global South production and digital practices.
credit Art Dubai
Key Sections and Participation
The fair showcased four main sections: Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Digital. The Bawwaba section, curated by Mirjam Varadinis, delved into themes such as displacement, climate anxiety, and new models of coexistence through works rooted in recent memory and created specifically for Art Dubai.
This year’s Bawwaba presented 10 solo exhibitions, including artists like Tomás Saraceno and Gulnur Mukazhanova, exploring how art can define possibilities and remember common ground in times of political, social, and ecological turmoil.
credit Art Dubai
Emerging Trends
The Art Dubai highlighted a growing focus on digital art and sustainable practices. The Art Dubai Digital section, curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, explored the theme “After the Technological Sublime,” presenting works that reflect on the interaction between technology and art. This section examined how artists and creative practitioners use advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality—to interrogate key environmental, social, and political challenges of our time.
Leadership and Inclusivity
The fair also underscored the importance of female leadership in the region’s art scene. The appointment of Dunja Gottweis as the incoming Director of Art Dubai Fair exemplifies this shift.
A Proven Leader in the Global Art Scene
Dunja Gottweis brings over two decades of experience in the art world to her new role. Her tenure at Art Basel, where she served as the Global Head of Gallery Relations, saw her overseeing gallery engagements across the fair’s global editions, including Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris.
Her efforts were pivotal in diversifying the fair’s profile and expanding its reach into new markets. Prior to Art Basel, Gottweis contributed to the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, executing regional and international projects that enhanced the museum’s reputation in art, design, and architecture
Art Dubai.
Vision for Art Dubai
Set to assume her role in 2026, Gottweis is poised to leverage her extensive experience to elevate Art Dubai’s status as a premier international art fair. Her vision encompasses fostering deeper connections with galleries worldwide, enhancing the fair’s global footprint, and introducing innovative programming that reflects the dynamic nature of the contemporary art scene. Gottweis’s appointment aligns with Art Dubai’s commitment to being a “fair of discoveries,” emphasizing the exploration of new geographies and artistic narratives.
Championing Female Leadership in the Arts
Gottweis’s leadership role also underscores the increasing influence of women in shaping the cultural landscape of the UAE. Her appointment, alongside other prominent female figures in the region’s art scene, reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and diversity within the arts sector.
Looking Ahead
As Art Dubai continues to expand its reach and impact, Gottweis’s leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and strategies that will further solidify the fair’s position on the global stage. Her track record suggests a future where Art Dubai not only showcases exceptional art but also serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and exchange.