The Fair in Retrospect – What Made It Special
It’s been a few days since World Art Dubai 2025 wrapped up, but the energy still lingers – vivid, electric, and indelibly imprinted in the minds of those who walked its halls. For four days, the Dubai World Trade Centre transformed into a pulsating, living gallery, buzzing with artists, collectors, families, and curious wanderers, all drawn together by a shared invitation: to explore a world where art is for everyone.
Celebrating its 11th edition, WAD brought together over 400 artists, 120 galleries, and more than 10,000 artworks under one roof. It was, without a doubt, the fair’s most international and most inclusive iteration yet, with creators hailing from over 65 countries.
Signature Moments
With 12 dedicated country pavilions, 54 live performances, and 10 expert-led talks, every corner held something new to discover.
Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, captured the spirit of World Art Dubai perfectly:
“This year’s edition of World Art Dubai brings together exciting new features and returning favourites. From new pavilions for international artists and hands-on experiences for visitors to large-scale public installations and roaming entertainment, we’ve curated an unforgettable experience.”
Art in Action – Beyond the Walls
Among the many additions were first-time pavilions from Mongolia, Estonia, Zimbabwe, and Australia, as well as standout showcases from Japan and India. China, this year’s Country of Honour, brought its vibrant presence. For the first time, the Emirati Pavilion made its debut, offering a powerful reflection of the UAE’s artistic heritage and its rapidly evolving creative future.
There was a lot to marvel at, paintings, sculptures, textiles, digital pieces and much more but nothing stopped people in their tracks quite like the arrival of Banksy. For the first time in Dubai, two of the artist’s original street artworks, rescued from the Gaza Strip 14 years ago, were displayed. No hype, no price tags, just two quietly powerful pieces from the world’s most elusive street artist.
The presence of ‘Toxic Fuel’ and ‘Running Coppers’ was a reminder of art’s power to transcend price tags and provoke thought.
What It All Meant
Some stories stayed with me. Like that of Katharina Sophia Schultz, who destroyed all her art at 16, then returned years later with a new technique, and sold her first-ever piece at WAD. Or Ace-Liam, the two-year-old from Ghana who holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s youngest male artist, toddling through the halls in search of inspiration.
It wasn’t just about looking. World Art Dubai encouraged participation. From tufting in the Textile Hub to live Japanese calligraphy, candle-making and pottery workshops and face sculpting and a surprising set by Irka Bochenko, a former Bond girl turned singer.
The Verdict
World Art Dubai proved that art doesn’t have to be intimidating or exclusive. It can be joyful, collaborative, and wildly diverse. For one long weekend, Dubai became the world’s canvas.
