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Art Basel announced that its inaugural edition in Qatar will feature 87 galleries representing 31 countries and territories, marking the fair’s fifth global location and its first in the Middle East. Scheduled for February 5–7, 2026, with preview days on February 3–4, Art Basel Qatar will take place across the M7 and Doha Design District venues, as well as select public spaces in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The fair, organized in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, will include 84 artist presentations under the curatorial direction of Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky. Departing from the traditional booth model, Shawky’s concept, themed Becoming, will explore humanity’s ongoing transformation through storytelling, belief systems, and cultural evolution. The exhibition aims to foster dialogue and reimagine how art connects people across continents.
“With Art Basel Qatar, we are furthering our mission to be a catalyst for cultural exchange and market growth,” said Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel. “Our gallery lineup for year one is thrilling—welcoming diverse new voices to our platform and deepening engagement with new geographies. This venture is only possible through the long-term commitment of our partners, Qatar Sports Investments and QC+.”
Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs, said the overwhelming response to the new fair underscores Doha’s growing importance in the global art scene. “The breadth and quality of participation speak to the excitement generated both regionally and internationally,” de Bellis said.
More than half of the featured artists hail from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, emphasizing the region’s expanding artistic influence. Notable artists include Etel Adnan, Ali Banisadr, Simone Fattal, Ali Cherri, Meriem Bennani, and Iman Issa. Regional participants include galleries from the Gulf, such as Al Markhiya Gallery (Doha), Hafez Gallery (Jeddah, Riyadh), and Tabari Artspace (Dubai), alongside international heavyweights such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, David Zwirner, and White Cube.
Shawky said the curatorial theme Becoming is “a meditation on change, on how humanity reshapes the ways we live, believe, and create meaning.” He noted that the Gulf’s cultural history—where oral traditions meet digital innovation—makes it an ideal setting for this exploration. “Art is not only a witness to history but a force that shapes how we imagine and reimagine identity,” he said.
Art Basel Qatar’s debut marks a milestone in the region’s creative development, strengthening Doha’s position as a hub for artistic exchange and innovation. The event will also include commissioned public art projects across the city, expanding its reach beyond exhibition spaces.
Founded in 1970, Art Basel now operates shows in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and, beginning in 2026, Qatar. Each edition reflects the character of its host city while showcasing global talent. The Qatar fair will build on this legacy, offering a platform for cross-cultural collaboration and reinforcing the nation’s growing investment in the arts and creative industries.