In February 2026, Doha will welcome a new chapter within the global art world with the debut of Art Basel Qatar.

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The renowned art fair promises to be as conceptually rich as it is visually compelling. Slated to be held at the M7 creative hub and the surrounding Doha Design District, this inaugural edition will offer more than just a showcase — it will be a curated experience shaped by artistic vision and regional nuance.

Departing from the conventional booth format, Art Basel Qatar will introduce an open-plan exhibition model, inviting galleries to present solo artist showcases that respond to a central theme. For its first edition, the theme is ‘Becoming’, a meditation on transformation, belief systems, and the evolving nature of identity. It’s a fitting lens for the Gulf, a region where oral traditions meet digital networks and ancient trade routes are reimagined as contemporary flows of culture and capital.

Wael Shawky, Artistic Director, Art Basel Qatar, photographed in Basel in June 2025. Photography by Matthieu Croizier for Art Basel. Courtesy of Art Basel

At the helm of this ambitious curatorial framework for the inaugural edition is Wael Shawky, the Egyptian-born artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans film, performance, and storytelling. Shawky, now based in Doha, brings a rare blend of intellectual depth and regional insight to his role as Artistic Director. His recent work, Drama 1882, earned acclaim at the Venice Biennale, and his installations continue to resonate across institutions from Tate Modern to LUMA Arles.

Shawky’s appointment signals a shift in how art fairs are conceived, not just as commercial platforms, but as spaces for narrative, research, and experimentation. His collaboration with Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel’s Chief Artistic Officer, ensures that the fair’s curatorial integrity remains central to its structure. Together, they will guide the gallery selection process alongside a committee of respected voices from the global art world, including representatives from White Cube, Athr Gallery, The Third Line, and Galleria Continua.

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Beyond the exhibition halls, Art Basel Qatar will also be activated across public spaces in Msheireb, Doha’s cultural heart, with installations and programming designed to engage both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. The much anticipated art fair also plans to transform the Doha Fire Station into a hub for education and artistic exchange, further embedding itself into the city’s creative ecosystem.

For luxury travellers and art patrons, this is more than an event, this is an invitation to witness the Gulf’s cultural evolution through the lens of contemporary art. With its thoughtful format, regional resonance, and global ambition, Art Basel Qatar is poised to become a fixture on the international art calendar — and a compelling reason to experience Doha again.

What is Art Basel?

Art Basel is widely regarded as the world’s leading contemporary and modern art fair, bringing together top-tier galleries, collectors, curators, and artists from across the globe.

Founded in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland, the fair has since expanded to include editions in Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris, with each showcase changing to reflect the cultural character of its host city. More than just a marketplace, Art Basel serves as a dynamic platform for artistic exchange, showcasing everything from painting and sculpture to digital installations, performance, and photography. Its influence on the global art market is profound, often setting trends and spotlighting emerging talent alongside established names.

Each edition of Art Basel is curated to offer a distinct experience, with sector-specific programming, large-scale installations, and thought-provoking talks that engage both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. The creative fair’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a cornerstone of the international art calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and generating significant cultural and economic impact in its host cities. Whether in Basel’s historic halls, Miami’s beachfront venues, or Hong Kong’s skyline-framed exhibition spaces, Art Basel continues to redefine how contemporary art is experienced and appreciated.

Art Basel Qatar, from February 5 - 7, 2026
Preview days (by invitation only) on February 3 & 4, 2026
Ticket details will be announced soon.
@artbasel @m7.qatar @qatar_museums
@wael_shawky

Doha Design District (DDD), Msheireb Downtown Doha, Al Jeewan St, Doha, Qatar (Zone 3, Street 960, Building 1)
M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Abdullah Bin Thani St, Doha, Qatar (Zone 3, Street 950, Building 17)

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

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