Art Dubai has announced a significantly scaled-back "special edition" of its 20th-anniversary fair, set for May 14–17 at the Madinat Jumeirah venue. The fair was postponed and reformatted due to the US-Israel war in Iran, which caused major logistical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and spiked oil prices, hampering air travel in the UAE. It will now feature only 50 exhibitors, a reduction of nearly 60% from the originally planned 120.
The fair's adaptation highlights the resilience and collaborative nature of the UAE's art scene during regional conflict. With two-thirds of exhibitors being locally or regionally based, the event pivots to strengthen local networks while still attracting some international dealers. The concurrent extension of Alserkal Art Week into a month-long initiative further underscores a coordinated effort to support the regional art ecosystem through exhibitions, performances, and talks during a challenging period.