Art Basel Qatar 2026: A Bold New Chapter in Global Art Landscape

Art Basel unveils its inaugural edition in Doha with a revolutionary format, naming acclaimed artist Wael Shawky as Artistic Director.

In a move that is set to redefine the art fair experience in the region, Art Basel has announced the launch of Art Basel Qatar, to be held from February 5 to 7, 2026, with Preview Days on February 3 and 4. Departing from the traditional booth-based format, the inaugural edition will embrace a curatorial approach rooted in artistic vision, conceptual depth, and regional relevance. The fair will be staged at M7, the creative epicentre of Doha’s Design District, and will extend across Msheireb’s public spaces and surrounding cultural hubs.

Reimagining the Art Fair

Rather than conventional gallery booths, Art Basel Qatar will adopt an open-format exhibition model. Participating galleries will present solo artist showcases in response to a central thematic framework, inviting deeper engagement with the artworks on display. The format aims to foster curatorial freedom, storytelling, and immersive experiences, resonating with both local and global audiences.

This bold direction is guided by Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel’s Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs, who described the fair as a chance to “push the boundaries of the art fair model, placing artistic intention at its core while responding to today’s market.” Doha, he added, offers a uniquely fertile ground where cultural ambition meets tradition, and experimentation is actively nurtured.

Wael Shawky to Lead Artistic Vision

At the heart of this pioneering edition is the appointment of Wael Shawky as Artistic Director. The Egyptian-born artist, celebrated for his powerful narrative-driven practice that spans film, performance, and installation, brings an unparalleled understanding of the Middle East’s artistic landscape and its intersections with global discourse.

“The opportunity to explore artistic practices from across the MENA region and beyond, within a framework that values research, narrative, and experimentation, is extremely meaningful to me,” said Shawky. “I look forward to helping shape a platform that speaks to the complexity and richness of the region while remaining globally relevant.”

Shawky’s recent representation of Egypt at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024) with his acclaimed video work Drama 1882 affirmed his place as one of the most intellectually rigorous artists of his generation. His extensive body of work has been exhibited at Tate Modern, MoMA PS1, Mathaf, and Serpentine Gallery, and he has participated in international platforms such as Documenta, the Sharjah Biennial, and the Istanbul Biennial.

In 2024, Shawky was also appointed Artistic Director of the Doha Fire Station, where he launched the Arts Intensive Study Program (AISP), designed to support emerging Qatari and international artists through research-led, studio-based learning.

A Theme of Transformation: ‘Becoming’

The central theme of the inaugural fair is “Becoming”, a conceptual meditation on humanity’s evolving condition and the systems that shape how we live, believe, and create. Set against the Gulf’s unique position as a bridge between ancient and futuristic worlds, the fair will explore the region as a living palimpsest, where oral histories coexist with digital networks, and traditional trade routes are reimagined as cultural exchanges.

Art, in this context, emerges as both witness and agent of transformation, translating societal shifts into form, and actively redefining the human experience.

Regional and Global Dialogue

Art Basel Qatar’s Selection Committee includes a distinguished roster of voices from leading galleries across the MENASA region and beyond: Lorenzo Fiaschi, Galleria Continua, Shireen Gandhy, Chemould Prescott Road, Daniela Gareh, White Cube, Mohammed Hafiz, Athr Gallery, Sunny Rahbar, The Third Line, Gordon VeneKlasen, Michael Werner Gallery

This diverse committee will help shape the fair’s gallery roster and ensure the inclusion of practices that are both regionally grounded and globally resonant.

Art Basel Qatar is a joint initative between Art Basel, MCH Group, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+.

A Turning Point for Qatar’s Cultural Future

With its hybrid model of exhibition, education, and engagement, Art Basel Qatar promises to become more than just another fair. It will be a platform for inquiry and encounter, expanding the scope of what an art fair can be. In doing so, it marks a defining moment for Qatar’s role on the international cultural stage.

As the global art world turns its gaze toward Doha, Art Basel Qatar 2026 signals a new era—one where commerce, curation, and cultural dialogue intersect with unprecedented clarity and purpose.