At the beginning of every year lies anticipation for the creative enterprises that are set to unfold. Annually, artists gear up to reignite creativity by setting ablaze new creative trends, beautiful artwork, and new movements. And whilst there are plenty of exhibitions and solo shows sprinkled across the region for art lovers to visit and explore, this year, the entire scene seems to be gaining more momentum than ever with many more fairs and festivals showcasing the best of Arab art.
From Cairo to Jeddah all the way to Dubai, each one of these cities will be holding can’t-miss art fairs, offering intrigued visitors the space to indulge in the different micro-chasims our region’s artists have to share with them.
Below, your ultimate guide to the Arab World’s best art fairs happening in the first half of 2025.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2025
Jan. 25 to May 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Islamic Arts Biennale is set to mark its return to Jeddah this month, exploring the themes of faith in an evolving world. Kicking off on Jan. 25 at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, the event will run for four months, closing on May 25, and will be curated by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. The venue choice reflects Jeddah’s role as a historic crossroads of culture, having, for centuries, welcomed pilgrims from around the world each year for Hajj and Umrah.
This edition’s theme, And All That Is In Between, is inspired by a recurring verse in the Quran, which describes the all-encompassing beauty of God’s creations. The verse loosely translates to: “And God created the heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”
The upcoming biennale will combine historical artifacts and contemporary works. Art historian Julian Raby, senior curator Amin Jaffer, and historian Abdul Rahman Azzam will serve as the biennale’s artistic directors. Five exhibition halls and outdoor installations will display over 500 pieces, including 20 commissioned works by artists from around the world such as Fatma Abdulhadi from Saudi Arabia, Nour Jaouda from Libya, and Charwei Tsai from Taiwan.
Sikka Art and Design Festival
Jan. 31 to Feb. 9 in Dubai, UAE
Dubai’s Al Shindagha Historic Neighborhood will transform into an artistic playground for the upcoming Sikka Art and Design Festival. The vibrant event will put the spotlight on UAE and Gulf-based creatives, featuring an array of disciplines from visual and culinary arts to sculpture and live performances.
Free of charge and open to the public, this festival is a must-visit for anyone looking to discover fresh emerging talent or dive deeper into the region’s creativity. As one of the Arab World’s best art fairs, it promises an immersive experience that celebrates artistic expression at its finest.
Art Cairo
Feb. 8 to 11 in Cairo, Egypt
Art Cairo 2025 will take over the Grand Egyptian Museum for a four-day extravaganza. Nestled near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the art fair will bring together over 3,000 works spanning historical, traditional, and contemporary art.
For the first time, the fair will welcome artists from Morocco, Turkey, and Tunisia, alongside a packed program of talks, workshops, and guided tours.
Sharjah Biennial 16
February to June 2025 in Sharjah, UAE
Under the theme To Carry, Sharjah Biennial 16 will probe the ideas of identity, tradition, and adaptation through contemporary art. Across multiple venues inside the emirate, this year’s edition promises a compelling narrative that connects local perspectives with global discourses.
Curated by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, the biennial will feature over 140 participants, including 80 new commissions. Look out for works by Emirati multidisciplinary artist Hashel Al Lamki, Lebanese filmmaker Akram Zaatari, and Kuwaiti visual artist Monira Al Qadiri. With its mix of dialogue and daring, Sharjah Biennial is a one of the Arab World’s best art fairs to be at for anyone craving depth and disruption in their art fix.
Art Dubai 2025
April 18 to 20 in Dubai, UAE
Art Dubai 2025 has put up a lineup that blends modern, contemporary, and digital art from more than 100 galleries across 50 countries. Split into three sections, each one ensures that there is a little something for everyone. The first, Bawwaba, will explore the notion of coexistence through 10 solo exhibitions. The second, Art Dubai Modern, will celebrate regional art masters from the 20ht-century, while the third, Art Dubai Digital, will take visitors on an exploration of the limits of media and new-age technology. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or just looking to get inspired, Art Dubai is a vibe you won’t want to miss for sure.
Also Read:
Dates Announced for The Fifth Edition of ‘Forever Is Now’
Where Art Meets Faith: Inside the Second Islamic Biennale
The Arab Women Artists Shaping the Second Edition of the Islamic Biennale
