Spotted: Angelina Jolie at Art Basel Qatar 2026

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie was among the notable attendees at the inaugural Art Basel Qatar 2026, as the historic contemporary art fair kicked off in the Qatari capital this week.

Jolie visited the Pakistani artist Aizah Ahmed's booth, which featured her site-specific art installation 'Footnotes', along with the award-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. 

The event, taking place across the creative hubs of Msheireb Downtown Doha, brings together artists, galleries and collectors from around the world in a bold cultural debut for the Middle East.

Art Basel’s first edition in Qatar runs from February 5 to 7, 2026, with preview days earlier in the week. The fair features a curated presentation of works by 84 artists represented by 87 international galleries. It aims to elevate Qatar’s cultural profile and create dialogue between Middle Eastern and global art communities. This new chapter in the fair’s history marks the expansion of one of the world’s most respected contemporary art platforms into the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia) region.

Jolie’s presence on the opening days added a high-profile spotlight to the fair, drawing attention from both arts circles and international media. According to market reporting, the actress made a brief appearance among a crowd of collectors, art professionals and enthusiasts exploring the exhibits, a testament to the event’s growing global allure.

Art Basel Qatar’s debut is notable for its innovative format, which steps away from traditional booth structures, instead presenting solo-artist showcases and thematic exhibitions under the curatorial direction of Egyptian artist Wael Shawky. The fair’s central theme, “Becoming”, explores transformation and cultural exchange, reflecting both the evolving socio-cultural landscape of the region and the dynamic global art market.

With art installations and gallery presentations set across key cultural spaces, including M7 and the Doha Design District, the event underscores Qatar’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for contemporary art. Alongside international participation, more than half of the artists showcased hail from the MENASA region, reinforcing local voices within the global arts conversation.

As the fair unfolds through the weekend, organizers and visitors alike are watching closely to see whether Qatar’s first Art Basel will establish enduring momentum and draw continued engagement from collectors, institutions and cultural figures worldwide.