This year’s World Art Dubai will be the biggest art-filled event to date when it returns for its ninth edition from 9 to 12 March 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Known as the region’s largest contemporary art fair, WAD will return very soon with a jam-packed lineup of new and inspiring exhibitions, events and activations making it an unmissable date in Dubai’s event calendar.

WAD App

Stay in the know and never get lost at WAD again! Brand new for 2023, WAD is launching its very own easy-to-use app so you can plan your visit, navigate the show, align meetings and have instant access to art at your fingertips.

The WAD app is now available to download for free on Apple and Google Play stores.

WAD Matchmaking Programme

This year, WAD is focusing on connecting rising artists with established galleries through its new matchmaking programme. Designed to support new talent by shining a light on their unique skills, the programme acts as a networking platform and forum so talent can connect and meet with the main players of the UAE’s art scene. The programme is open to all solo artists who are exhibiting at WAD and participating and non-participating galleries.

To join the programme, download the WAD app and register your interest. Here you’ll be able to book a meeting with the artist or gallery you’d like to connect and meet with.

Artist in Residency

This year, WAD has partnered with 8th Ave. Gallery and Dubai’s art hub hotel, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, to host the popular Artist in Residency programme. Launched in 2020, the Artist in Residency programme has been designed to inspire and support international artists by giving them the incredible opportunity to live in Dubai and take on a three-month residency at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

As part of the collaboration, WAD will host the Artist in Residency booth for the first time ever to give even more art fans and collectors the opportunity to enjoy the artwork created through the initiative. Throughout the 4-day fair, visitors will be able to meet with and explore the works produced by previous programme participants, German Artist, Sabrina Pohl and Spanish Artist Paula Blanco at the Artist in Residency booth.

The winner of the fourth residency will also be announced at this year’s WAD award ceremonies on 12th March and will be awarded to a deserving artist exhibiting at this year’s event.

Expanded Urban Art DXB Programme

WAD’s popular street art and culture celebration, Urban Art DXB, has been refreshed and expanded for 2023 and will feature an even bigger line-up of visual displays, performances and competitions than ever before.

Led for the second year running by talented creative and Kuwaiti street artist, Ahmed Al Rashi, this year’s Urban Art DXB will showcase more than just graffiti and will feature live daily DJ sets, fashion graffiti, dance performances from @madaboutdancedubai and incredible break-dancer @thewxb, vogue dance battles, make-up faceoffs and two mini-concerts by local singer, songwriter and performer, @varshavinn. The experiential programme will also feature a live customisation skateboard wall and workshops with @axelart, a live shoe customisation experience and workshops by @gingersrtsy, four graffiti walls that will be painted by four different artists daily and Palette Dubai will host three workshops daily throughout Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March.

Visitors will also be able to watch as talented creators such as @shakirsulaiman_art, @the.blackdevil, @_twigsart_, @aimunit and @nodyhajjar create exciting displays live at this year’s fair.

Discover the full lineup of artists that are taking part in Urban Art DXB here

Commercial Interior Design Panel Discussion

After launching the Best Use of Art category in its celebrated 2022 Awards ceremony, the region’s leading design publication, Commercial Interior Design, will host a panel discussion at this year’s WAD. Taking place at 1pm on Friday 10th March, visitors will be able to listen and learn from some of the industry’s leading designers who will be discussing the role of art in interior design. Entry to the discussion is free with your WAD ticket.

Tickets are now on sale for WAD 2023. To purchase tickets, check out fair timings, discover the WAD 4-day schedule and for more information please click.