Art Dubai, the prominent international art fair for the Middle East and Global South, has announced that its five-day event, held from March 1st to March 5th, 2023, has generated an impressive direct economic impact of AED 143M for the city.
The latest findings from an “Economic Impact Study” conducted by IPSOS, a renowned independent market research consultancy, also reveal that the esteemed art fair attracted a remarkable 23,500 hotel bookings in Dubai.
These recently unveiled statistics indicate a substantial increase in economic impact, surpassing the most recent comparable data by over 50% (compared to AED 92M in 2019). This notable surge underscores Dubai’s advancement as a thriving cultural and creative hub and underscores its unparalleled growth as a global destination, according to WAM.
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 2023 edition of Art Dubai proved to be the most successful in the event’s history. With over 130 contemporary and modern exhibitors hailing from more than 40 countries, it showcased a remarkable array of artistic talent. Notably, this edition witnessed the highest-ever participation of regional and international institutional representatives.
Hala Badri, the Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasized the ongoing comprehensive creative and cultural movement in Dubai. This movement is playing a vital role in fulfilling Dubai’s cultural vision of establishing the emirate as a global hub for culture, a breeding ground for creativity, and a thriving center for talent.
“At Dubai Culture, we are keen on supporting the cultural and arts sector in the emirate by adopting innovative methods capable of attracting talent and art enthusiasts, in addition to providing creative platforms that allow artists to express their ideas and expand their creative contributions that enrich Dubai’s art scene. The remarkable successes achieved by the 16th edition of the Art Dubai exhibition reflect Dubai’s global position as a vital hub for artistic and creative events.”
Badri added: “Art Dubai has matured and developed into a unique moment in the international art calendar, convening Dubai’s brightest and best cultural and artistic minds each year. The figures announced in the economic impact report further underline the importance of world-class cultural programming in attracting people worldwide to this unique city.”
Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, commented: “The published economic impact data serves to underscore Dubai’s continued growth and development as one of the major cultural centres of the art world and the cultural capital of the Global South. 2023 was Art Dubai’s most successful to date, and our 2024 edition will continue to build on the reputation we have nurtured over the last two decades, reinforcing our unique position in the art market and continuing to push the boundaries of what an art fair can do.”
Art Dubai serves as the foremost platform for showcasing and acquiring art from the Global South. With its diverse sections dedicated to contemporary, modern, and digital galleries, along with annual artist commissions and ongoing collector and education programs, Art Dubai stands as a strong advocate for art and artists. Over time, it has established itself as a cultural center for the region and a significant meeting point for the art world of the Global South.
Dubai has witnessed remarkable development in the past decade, and as a result, the fair now attracts prominent collectors and institutional audiences from the UAE, the surrounding region, and around the world. Looking ahead, the 2024 edition of Art Dubai is scheduled to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from March 1st to March 3rd, with exclusive previews on February 28th and 29th.
