Abu Dhabi is set to make history this November as the first city in the MENASA region to host the world-renowned Frieze art fair. Opening on November 19 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the event marks an evolution in the emirate’s cultural trajectory, effectively building upon the 17-year legacy of Abu Dhabi Art. With 84 galleries representing 37 countries, the fair is a collaborative effort between Frieze and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, designed to showcase the region’s artistic landscape on a global scale while remaining rooted in local cultural values.

The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, ranging from contemporary works in the main Galleries area to historical explorations in Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi, which examines the interconnected histories of the Indian Ocean. Attendees can also look forward to the "Global Futures" section and a variety of special installations, including a sculpture display at Mamsha Beach featuring works by prominent Emirati artists. As the fair runs through November 22, it arrives just weeks before the highly anticipated opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, signaling what may be the emirate’s most significant cultural season to date.