Abu Dhabi: The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art is scheduled to take place from November 20th to 24th at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s fair will highlight Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem as the Visual Campaign Artist, recognizing his significant contributions to the UAE’s art scene.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event will feature over 100 local and international galleries, offering a diverse cultural and artistic experience. This edition introduces new sections dedicated to modern regional artists and showcases works from Central Asia and the Caucasus, aiming to foster cross-cultural exchanges. Additionally, the fair will present unique collections of historical artifacts and collectibles, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors globally.

The Abu Dh
abi Art fair serves as a catalyst for the UAE’s growing art market, which is becoming increasingly interconnected with the Global South. The annual fair represents the culmination of a year-long programme by Abu Dhabi Art, including artist residencies, commissions, exhibitions, and educational outreach. Mohammed Kazem’s appointment as the Visual Campaign Artist underscores his influence as a pioneering figure in the UAE’s art community for over two decades.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of the arts in Emirati culture, stating, “The arts have long been a cornerstone of Emirati culture, and Abu Dhabi Art plays a vital role in showcasing our cultural identity to the world. Events like the annual art fair, along with awards such as this, open up new avenues for creativity and expression, while fostering artistic talent at every level, from grassroots level to global prominence. Mohammed Kazem has been a key figure in the UAE’s
art scene, and we are delighted that he has accepted the honour of being Abu Dhabi Art’s Visual Campaign Artist this year.”

Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde describes Kazem as an artist who “has developed an artistic practice that encompasses video, photography and performance to find new ways of apprehending his environment and experiences.” His work is deeply rooted in his musical training, focusing on processes that render transient phenomena like sound and light into tangible forms.

Mohammed Kazem expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m pleased to have been chosen to create the visual campaign for this edition of Abu Dhabi Art. I look forward to meeting artists from around the world at the fair, to seeing new artworks and discovering new art techniques, to attending the related events and seeing new commissions from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.”