Art Dubai, running until 20 April, opened as the first major art fair since US President Trump announced global tariffs that nearly triggered a financial crisis. Sales were solid, with most works priced in the low six figures or thousands, insulating the fair from market anxieties. A divide emerged between regional SWANA galleries—which presented the strongest booths—and international galleries from the US, Europe, and Latin America, which seemed uncertain about what to bring. Notable sales included works by Rana Begum, Mehdi Ghadyanloo, Ali Cherri, and Shaikha Al Mazrou, while galleries like Sfeir-Semler, Vigo Gallery, and Experimenter reported strong results.
This matters because Art Dubai serves as a bellwether for the global art market amid economic turbulence. Its resilience highlights Dubai's unique position as a haven for high-net-worth individuals and its relative insulation from tariff pressures. The fair's primary role—showcasing art across the SWANA region—remains unchallenged, reinforcing its importance as a regional hub. However, the lack of standout works and the cautious approach of international galleries suggest that the broader art market downturn continues to affect even the most buoyant fairs.