Art Dubai faced major disruptions ahead of its 20th anniversary as the US-Israel war in Iran raised security concerns and led to a move from mid-April to May. About 75 exhibitors withdrew, and the fair was rebuilt within weeks to respond to geopolitical developments. The event opened at Madinat Jumeirah and runs until 17 May. Organisers described the process as adapting existing programme elements and restarting planning conversations with galleries. The fair is smaller, with the digital component integrated into the main hall and fewer participating galleries, mostly from the region. Visitors and cultural figures noted a more manageable, charm-filled experience that emphasizes quality over quantity.
"It's a moment that is different than what we originally anticipated,"
"But in a way, it beautifully reflects the DNA of Dubai, the strength of the community that has supported us for the past two decades. We had eight weeks to plan. Elements of the programme were already there, and we were able to carry them through. Others we had to adapt."
"We had to start every conversation again, and check if galleries wanted to participate,"
"I had like a day and a half to create a new floor plan. I closed myself in a room for eight hours and only came out when I had a light-bulb moment."
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