Jean-David Malat, founder of JD Malat Gallery, opened a new outpost in Downtown Dubai in early 2025, expanding from his established Mayfair space in London. The gallery launched with a group show, *Carte Blanche*, and has since hosted solo exhibitions, with plans for a *Made in UAE* initiative that received over 1,000 applications. Malat cites the slowing London market and growing momentum in the UAE as key factors in his decision to invest in Dubai, where he spent a month building relationships with collectors and the local community before opening.
This expansion signals growing confidence in Dubai as a global art hub, attracting international dealers and collectors amid regional economic shifts. Malat's move reflects a broader trend of galleries seeking opportunities in the Middle East, where cultural infrastructure and collector bases are rapidly developing. The *Made in UAE* project also highlights efforts to integrate local talent into international gallery programs, potentially reshaping the region's art ecosystem.