The global contemporary and modern art fair Art Basel has announced its first-ever edition in Qatar, set to take place from February 5 to 7, 2026, in the Doha Design District, with preview days on February 3 and 4. This edition marks a turning point in the fair’s history, as it introduces a non-traditional format centered around artistic vision and curatorial concept, rather than the typical gallery booth model.
Renowned Egyptian artist Wael Shawky has been appointed as the artistic director of the Qatar edition, working in collaboration with Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel’s global artistic director. Together, they aim to shape an experience rooted in regional context, artistic research, and experimentation.
The event will be held across key locations, including the M7 creative hub in Msheireb and the Doha Design District, along with selected public spaces throughout the area. This urban and open setting encourages broader public engagement. The exhibition model will feature solo presentations from participating galleries, all responding to a carefully chosen central theme. For the inaugural edition, the theme is “The Composition” — an exploration of human transformation and the evolving systems that reshape ways of life, beliefs, and identities.
Vincenzo de Bellis emphasized that Art Basel Qatar will move beyond the traditional fair model, placing artistic intent at the core of the experience while maintaining a connection to the art market. He noted that Doha was chosen for its rich cultural landscape and openness to experimentation.
Wael Shawky described his appointment as “a great honor,” expressing his ambition to create a platform that reflects the complexity and cultural richness of the MENA region. He aims to collaborate with galleries and artists to craft an artistic experience grounded in regional narratives and global resonance, driven by research, storytelling, and creative experimentation.
Shawky is widely regarded as one of the leading contemporary artists from the Arab world. His recent work, “Drama 1882,” represents Egypt at the 2024 Venice Biennale. His exhibitions span prestigious institutions such as Tate Modern in London, MoMA PS1 in New York, and the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha. Since October 2024, he has also served as the artistic director of the Fire Station – Artists in Residence in Doha, where he launched an educational program to support the critical and professional development of emerging artists from Qatar and the region.
Art Basel Qatar is the result of a partnership between Art Basel, its parent company MCH Group and QC+, with the aim of further positioning Doha as a global destination for contemporary art.
