The recent Art Dubai exhibition, held from March 1 to 5, 2023, has made a significant impact on the city economy, generating AED143 million ($39 million) directly. This positive outcome was revealed in an economic impact study conducted by IPSOS, a leading independent market research consultancy. The study also highlighted that the renowned art fair attracted a staggering 23,500 hotel bookings.
These figures indicate a substantial increase in economic impact, surpassing the previous comparable data by more than 55% (compared to AED92 million in 2019). It showcases Dubai progress as a thriving cultural and creative hub, emphasizing its unprecedented growth as a global destination.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 2023 edition of Art Dubai was the most successful to date. The exhibition featured over 130 contemporary and modern exhibitors from more than 40 countries, with strong participation from regional and international institutional representatives.
Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, expressed that the emirate is currently experiencing a comprehensive creative and cultural movement. This movement plays a crucial role in realizing Dubai cultural vision of becoming a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving talent hub.
Dubai Culture is committed to supporting the cultural and arts sector by adopting innovative methods to attract talent and art enthusiasts. They aim to provide creative platforms for artists to express their ideas and expand their contributions, enriching Dubai vibrant art scene.
The remarkable success of the 16th edition of the Art Dubai exhibition demonstrates Dubai global prominence as a vital hub for artistic and creative events. It has evolved into a unique moment in the international art calendar, bringing together Dubai brightest cultural and artistic minds each year.
The recently published economic impact report further emphasizes the importance of world-class cultural programming in attracting individuals from around the world to this exceptional city.
Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, highlighted that the published economic impact data underscores Dubai continuous growth and development as one of the major cultural centers in the art world and the cultural capital of the Global South. The upcoming 2024 edition of Art Dubai aims to build upon its successful reputation, reinforcing its unique position in the art market and pushing the boundaries of what an art fair can achieve.
Art Dubai is the premier platform for experiencing and purchasing art from the Global South. It champions art and artists through its contemporary, modern, and digital gallery sections, annual artist commissions, and year-round collector and education programs. The event has established itself as a regional cultural hub and an increasingly important meeting point for the art world of the Global South.
Over the past decade, Dubai has experienced rapid growth, and the Art Dubai fair now attracts top collectors and institutional audiences from the UAE, the region, and around the globe.
The event is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and has garnered sponsorship from Julius Baer, a Swiss Wealth Management Group. Additionally, HUNA, a culturally-rich developer and partner, has provided support. The Culture and Arts Authority serves as the fair strategic partner, and the prestigious Madinat Jumeirah provides an exquisite venue for the event.
The next edition of Art Dubai will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from March 1 to 3, 2024, with previews on February 28 and 29.