Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Thousands of art lovers and creatives visited World Art Dubai throughout the four days of the exhibition as it returned to Dubai World Trade Centre for its eleventh edition.

The 11^th edition of the region’s largest contemporary retail art fair featured 400+ artists, 120+ galleries, and 10,000+ artworks from 65 countries.

Japanese exhibitors and artists had a major participation at World Art Dubai 2025 where they featured their artworks and performances at the event.

Toyomi Nakamura, a Japanese contemporary artist and the founder of Yin-Yang Art featured her artworks at the event. At the heart of her art are the flower and butterfly, symbols of fragility and rebirth.

Using her signature Photo-on-Painting technique, which blends photography and painting, she embodies the harmony between humanity and nature. Her works often feature an interplay of black and gold, symbolizing the contrast of light and shadow.

Following her previous participations at ADIHEX event in Abu Dhabi, Fumika Tanaka participated at World Art Dubai for the first time where she featured her Ink Painting “Ametsuchi” Art style at the event.

She explores themes of identity, adaptation and coexistence through the expressive qualities of ink lines, bridging historical techniques with modern interpretations.

Japanese artist Masao Hatayama returned to World Art Dubai to display his pop art drawings as well as do a live art performance at WAD’s main stage. His artworks are influenced by the traditional Japanese art of ukiyo-e and the popular culture of manga and anime.

Japanese painter and creative director Mari Nishimura also returned to World Art Dubai and showcased her artworks and craftsmanship at the event.

“This was my third time participating in WAD,” Nishimura said. “The live painting on stage was a great success. Many fans from the Middle East came to my solo booth to see my artworks and designs”.

“I was surrounded by wonderful people who love Japanese culture, and it was truly a happy time. I sold a lot of paintings, and I’m looking forward to next year’s live painting, promising to come back even stronger. I will create many new paintings to continue growing,” she added.

Ramy Enab, an Egyptian Bonsai artist and founder of Shohin Bonsai Dubai have participated for the 1^st time at World Art Dubai where he showcased his art of blending the ancient Japanese traditions of bonsai with the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East.

ikasu came back to World Art Dubai with even bolder art expressions and new techniques. Ikasu draws inspiration from traditional symbolism, meaning of patterns and motifs behind the textiles, so each work holds a message and is created to bring positive energy. It especially speaks to those who appreciate meaningful art and wisdom of traditions.

Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Asma Al Sharif, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “For over a decade, World Art Dubai has championed both emerging and established voices across the globe. We’re proud of the platform it continues to provide and are excited for its return in 2026 with even more creative energy and global participation.”

Looking ahead, organizers confirmed that World Art Dubai will return from April 29 to May 3, 2026.