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When worlds collide, magic happens. And the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025 is living proof. This year, all eyes are on the Türkiye Focus, a vibrant curation that captures the sizzling crossroads of East and West, where centuries of culture, history, and artistic expression converge in one electric showcase.

At the heart of this focus? None other than the legendary Fahrelnissa Zeid: a name that pulses with avant-garde flair and a life story more colorful than her kaleidoscopic canvases. Born in Türkiye, trained in Istanbul and Paris, and married into Iraqi royalty, Zeid’s artistic journey is a living map of Türkiye–Middle East cultural fusion. Her bold, mosaic-like paintings exploded with emotion and movement, and even up until her passing in 1991, she was empowering young female artists in Jordan, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

“Her life trajectory perfectly encapsulates some of the historic socio-cultural connections between Türkiye and the Middle East,” reflects curator Nusseibeh, who’s helping shape the fair’s dazzling lineup.

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Under-Represented Art Histories Finally Take the Spotlight

One thing that makes Abu Dhabi Art stand out on the global fair circuit? Its commitment to championing SWANA artists (South West Asia and North Africa), and unearthing art histories too long left in the shadows.

“We have two major institutions nearby, pointing the way,” Nusseibeh notes.

• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (still in the works but already shifting perceptions)
• Louvre Abu Dhabi, which bridges civilisations through its globe-spanning curation

These cultural heavyweights are paving the road for global majority artists to finally be seen, valued, and celebrated on the world stage.

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Art from Over 30 Countries? Yes, Please!

This November, art lovers, collectors, and curious minds will get to feast their eyes on works from over 30 countries, with a strong spotlight on the Arab world’s finest. Expect to be wowed by icons like:

• Sami Al Marzoogi
• Nasser AlYousif
• Raeda Ashour
• Abdul Qader Al Rais

And that’s just the beginning.

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“The creative landscape in the region is thriving,” Nusseibeh says. “Art is something many here have grown up with; it’s in the air.” And with monumental institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi just a stone’s throw away, it’s no surprise that the Gulf’s younger generation is rising as a powerhouse of collectors and patrons.

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A Fair That’s More Than Just a Fair

Think of this as more than an art fair. It's a cultural spark: a place where hometown spirit meets worldwide ambition. It’s where the next generation can truly see how heritage and innovation inspire each other.

Gallery veteran or curious newbie? Total art lover or just here for the eye candy? Whoever you are, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair this November is your front-row seat to a fearless, borderless party for creativity.

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