Frieze Abu Dhabi 2026 (19–22 November) and the Grand Prix: Abu Dhabi’s defining fortnight

Published 14 October 2026 · ATLAS MAISON editorial team · اقرأ بالعربية

Frieze Abu Dhabi

19–22 November 2026, inaugural edition

Venue

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District

Galleries

84 galleries from 64 cities in 37 countries and regions

Sections

Galleries, Focus, Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi, Global Futures

Then

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 3–6 December 2026, Yas Marina Circuit

Official sources

frieze.com · formula1.com

For the first time, Frieze comes to the Gulf. From 19 to 22 November 2026, Frieze Abu Dhabi opens at Manarat Al Saadiyat with 84 galleries from 64 cities, building on seventeen years of Abu Dhabi Art. Two weeks later, the Formula 1 season ends under the lights at Yas Marina.

For collectors and for anyone who loves the city, this is Abu Dhabi’s defining fortnight: art, culture, racing and the start of the winter season. Here is how to plan it.

The first Frieze in the Gulf

Frieze Abu Dhabi is established with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and joins Frieze’s fairs in London, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Seoul. The fair is organised in several sections: the main Galleries section, with more than sixty galleries; Focus, for younger galleries; Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi, curated around the Indian Ocean; and Global Futures. The programme includes the first Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award, Frieze Sculpture and a series of talks.

If you visited Frieze London or Art Basel Paris this October, Abu Dhabi completes the autumn art season in the sun.

The Saadiyat Cultural District

Manarat Al Saadiyat sits in the island’s cultural district, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and a growing group of museums. A fair visit combines naturally with a morning at the museums, lunch by the beach and an evening in the city. We arrange private guides where available, cars between venues and tables for collectors’ dinners.

Where to stay

Saadiyat Island offers beach resorts a few minutes from the fair; the Corniche and the city centre put you close to the capital’s restaurants; Yas Island is the base for the Grand Prix. For a longer visit spanning both events, many guests split their stay between Saadiyat and Yas. We research the options against your plans and you book directly with the hotel.

Then the Grand Prix

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs from 3 to 6 December 2026 at Yas Marina Circuit, as the final round of the Formula 1 season. Hotels on Yas Island and yacht berths in the marina are the most sought-after during race week. Read our Grand Prix guide, and our New Year’s Eve in Dubai guide for the rest of the season.

Details are as published by the organisers and may change. Always confirm with the official source.