• The fair brings together over 400 artists and galleries from more than 65 countries including Japan

Amin Abbas

World Art Dubai (WAD), the region’s most accessible retail art fair, returns from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The fair brings together over 400 artists and galleries from more than 65 countries including Japan.

The 11th edition promises four days of art, entertainment, and a chance for up-and-coming artists to reach an exciting new global audience.

As World Art Dubai 2025 continues to evolve, its impact is reflected in the growing number of artists and galleries returning year after year.

With an increasing roster of repeat exhibitors, the fair has established itself as more than just an event — it’s a thriving global art community.

Artists and galleries recognize the platform’s ability to connect them with collectors, industry leaders, and new creative opportunities, reinforcing WAD’s reputation as a must-attend destination for artistic discovery and collaboration. This year’s edition further strengthens those ties, offering a space where art meets opportunity and creative legacies are built.

“World Art Dubai remains a key platform for artistic exchange, uniting global artists, galleries, and collectors,” said Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre. “We are excited to return another year, and unveil new initiatives that enhance engagement and accessibility, making this our most dynamic edition yet. We look forward to welcoming the global art community to Dubai for an inspiring celebration of creativity and culture”.

“We are thrilled to present World Art Dubai once again, welcoming an exciting line-up of artists, galleries, and new initiatives. As the fair continues to evolve, we remain committed to fostering artistic exchange and enhancing engagement through dedicated art spaces, large-scale public installations, and experiences that celebrate creativity beyond the fair itself,” she added.

This year’s fair strengthens its international reach by including new pavilions representing Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Australia, and Estonia. With Zimbabwe’s vibrant modern art, Mongolia’s nomadic culture, Australia’s bold murals, and Mexico’s mirror sculptures, this expansion allows visitors to experience a broader spectrum of global art, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

These additions contribute to World Art Dubai’s mission of showcasing diverse artistic voices and fostering a global exchange of ideas.

Additionally, the Emirati Pavilion and the Philippines Pavilion make their debut, spotlighting the regional artistry and positioning local and Southeast Asian artists’ talent and cultural heritage of these regions.

The expansion of existing pavilions, including those from Turkey and the UAE, underscores the fair’s growing influence as a premier international art fair, attracting a wider audience of collectors, designers, and industry professionals.

The scene of Japanese art will be present at World Art Dubai with the participation of various artists from Japan including ikasu who is back with even bolder art expressions and new techniques.

This time ikasu is not only showing and selling their artworks, but also looking for long-term partners in art, interior and event spheres. They are open for all kind of collaborations.

ikasu creates textile art using fabric from antique kimono – historical pieces that can’t be used as clothes anymore. They blend traditional techniques like kintsugi and golden leafing with modern approach to make traditional materials sparkle in modern spaces. Every piece has a history behind, and holds deep meaning in its’ patterns and motifs.

Taking place at the close of Dubai’s four-month-long art season, World Art Dubai 2025 promises an exhilarating showcase of creativity.

For a full list of exhibitors and to purchase tickets, please visit https://worldartdubai.com/