International Art Basel Exhibition Set for Debut in Qatar during February 2026
Art Basel, the globally recognized fair operator, has announced a partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+ to launch a new art fair in Doha next February. This marks the first major art fair to debut in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement comes just a month before Art Basel's Swiss fair opens its doors.
In a statement, Noah Horowitz, Art Basel CEO, emphasized the organization's mission to expand the global art market, support artists and galleries, and develop new collecting audiences. He highlighted Qatar's deep art collections, the country's role as a cultural incubator, and its unique support for talent as factors that will contribute to the success of the new Art Basel Qatar.
The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar aims to showcase leading galleries and artistic talent from the MENA region, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Initially, the fair will feature a tightly curated selection of about 50 galleries—a smaller number compared to Art Basel's other fairs, which range from around 195 to 291 participating galleries.
The fair will be staged at M7, a creative hub in Doha's Design District, and is part of Qatar's National Vision 2030 initiative, which includes a strong cultural component. Qatar Museums, the driving force behind the project, has plans to open three additional museums by 2030, including the Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, chairman of QSI, expressed excitement about bringing Art Basel to Qatar and the region, noting that sports and culture share the ability to unite people and bring the world together. Pablo del Val, the artistic director of Art Dubai, the region's current main fair, confirmed that the introduction of Art Basel Qatar will likely change the dynamic of the regional art market.
Art Basel Qatar will be the organization's fifth international fair, with roots tracing back to 1960 and a successful expansion beginning in the new millennium. The launch of the fair in Doha follows Art Basel's strategic moves to establish fairs in Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris.
According to Andrea Zappia, Chairman and Group CEO at MCH Group, Art Basel's parent company, the partnership aims to contribute unique resources and capabilities to ensure the long-term success of Art Basel Qatar.
In 2022, Qatar Museums organized over 40 public artworks as part of World Cup festivities, featuring pieces by notable artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst. This collaboration between QSI and Art Basel is poised to further elevate Qatar's initiatives to support the creative industries in the region, offering exceptional artistic experiences and opportunities for local talent.
[1] https://www.art Basel.com/corporate/about-us[2] https://www.qatar-today.com/art-culture/2023/03/31/art-basel-launches-first-fair-in-doha-in-2026[3] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/how-art-basel-qatar-has-shaken-up-the-middle-eastern-art-market[4] https://www.artforum.com/news/ids=109180,105388,108776,107008,107918,105972,108589,104809,108355[5] https://www.reuters.com/business/art-basel-qatar-fair-set-debut-2026-capitalizing-growing-middle-east-art-scene-2023-03-30/
- Art Basel's new partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+ aims to launch a new art fair in Doha, marking the first major art fair in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Noah Horowitz, Art Basel CEO, emphasized the organization's mission to expand the global art market, support artists and galleries, and develop new collecting audiences.
- The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar aims to showcase leading galleries and artistic talent from the MENA region, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
- The fair will be staged at M7, a creative hub in Doha's Design District, and is part of Qatar's National Vision 2030 initiative, which includes a strong cultural component.
- Pablo del Val, the artistic director of Art Dubai, the region's current main fair, confirmed that the introduction of Art Basel Qatar will likely change the dynamic of the regional art market.
- The launch of Art Basel Qatar will be Art Basel's fifth international fair, with roots tracing back to 1960 and a successful expansion beginning in the new millennium.
