Next February, Art Basel Qatar will make its debut in Doha, with 87 galleries showcasing 84 artist presentations. In collaboration with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, Art Basel Qatar is being presented. Visit Qatar is the Lead Partner, Qatar Airways is the Premium Partner, BMW is the Associate Partner, Zegna is the Official Partner, and UBS is the Global Lead Partner. Art Basel's fifth fair worldwide will take place from February 5–7, 2026 (preview days are February 3–4). With 16 galleries showcasing for the first time alongside the 87 participants from 31 nations and territories, Art Basel will introduce fresh viewpoints and voices to our global stage.
The first edition of Art Basel Qatar, which was conceived under the curatorial direction of Wael Shawky, an artist from Egypt, deviates from the conventional booth model by showcasing an open-format exhibition where artist presentations address the curatorial theme of Becoming. It will take place at two important locations, M7 and the Doha Design District, as well as a few public spaces in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the city's center of creativity and culture. It is a meditation on humanity's ongoing development and the structures that influence how we live, think, and construct meaning. Storytelling and conversation will be prioritized in both the format and curatorial direction, providing galleries, artists, and collectors with fresh opportunities to interact while retaining significant market relevance.
