A Full Guide to Art Basel Qatar 2026 for Art Lovers

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Everything you need to know about the inaugural Art Basel Qatar — from dates and tickets to artists and programme highlights.

The highly anticipated inaugural Art Basel Qatar 2026 is set to transform Doha into a global art destination this February, offering art lovers a rich blend of contemporary works, cultural dialogue, commissioned projects, and regional highlights.

Dates & Venue

Art Basel Qatar will take place from February 5–7, 2026, with exclusive Preview Days on February 3 and 4 for invited guests and VIP pass holders.

The fair will unfold across key cultural hubs in Msheireb Downtown Doha, primarily at:

  • M7 Creative Hub — a bustling centre for design, creativity, and cultural exchange.
  • Doha Design District — a vibrant neighbourhood known for its galleries, studios, and artistic community.

Select public spaces across Msheireb will also host site-specific installations and projects, extending the experience beyond the main halls.

Tickets & Access

Tickets for the public days can be purchased online through the official Art Basel website. Current tickets include:

  • Regular Ticket: 150 QAR
  • Reduced Ticket: 120 QAR

Entrance is organised by scheduled time slots to ensure smooth visitor experiences across the fairgrounds.

Participating Galleries and Artists

Art Basel Qatar’s debut edition will showcase 84 artist presentations from 87 galleries representing 31 countries and territories, cementing Doha’s role as a growing nexus for the global art world.

Among the galleries participating are prestigious names from Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, along with galleries making their first appearance in an Art Basel fair.

More than half of the artists hail from the MENA and South Asia regions, reflecting a strong regional voice within the global dialogue. Notable names often highlighted include Etel Adnan, Ali Banisadr, Simone Fattal, Ali Cherri, Meriem Bennani, and Iman Issa, among others.

Curatorial Theme and Special Projects

Under the artistic direction of Egyptian-born Wael Shawky, the fair departs from a traditional booth format and embraces an open-format exhibition responding to the central theme of “Becoming”, an exploration of transformation, identity, systems, and meaning in today’s world.

Complementing gallery presentations, the programme will feature nine large-scale commissioned projects across Msheireb public spaces, including sculpture, installation, performance, film, and architectural works by acclaimed international artists such as Bruce Nauman, Hassan Khan, Nalini Malani, Rayyane Tabet, Sumayya Vally and more.

Programme Highlights for Art Lovers

  • Preview Days (Feb 3–4): Exclusive first look at works before the public opening.
  • Public Exhibitions (Feb 5–7): Full access to art presentations across venues.
  • Site-Specific Commissions: Large-scale art installations activating Doha’s urban fabric.
  • Educational Talks & Dialogues: Discussions and talks providing insight into artistic practices and contemporary issues (details to be released closer to the event).

Why Art Basel Qatar Matters

Art Basel Qatar is not just another art fair, it marks Art Basel’s first venture into the Middle East and North Africa, expanding its global footprint and spotlighting the region’s vibrant cultural ecosystem.

The fair serves as a bridge between regional artistic talents and the global art community, offering visitors and collectors alike a rich, immersive experience that celebrates creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious art enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Art Basel Qatar 2026 promises a dynamic showcase of contemporary art and a memorable entry point into the region’s creative pulse.