Frieze Abu Dhabi announces inaugural art fair program

The inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi art fair is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi and Frieze, the event will feature more than 80 galleries representing 36 countries and regions.

Key highlights of the program include the debut of the Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award, curated by Nabila Abdel Nabi. The first recipient is Beirut- and London-based artist Dala Nasser, who will present ‘Qubbat Duris,’ a site-responsive installation inspired by a 13th-century monument in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.

The fair will also introduce ‘In Dialogue,’ an annual exhibition pairing established and emerging artists. The first edition, titled ‘At Another Meeting Pointing,’ is co-curated by the Abu Dhabi-based Dirwaza Curatorial Lab and will feature works by Emirati artists Mohammed Kazem and Alia Zaal. Additionally, Frieze Sculpture Abu Dhabi will display works at Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat Island from November 16 to December 16, and a three-day talks program will address global curatorial practices.