Art Basel Qatar announces 87 galleries for inaugural edition in February 2026

Doha, Qatar: Art Basel Qatar will feature 84 artist presentations by 87 galleries when the fair debuts in Doha next February. Presented in partnership...

Doha, Qatar: Art Basel Qatar will feature 84 artist presentations by 87 galleries when the fair debuts in Doha next February. Presented in partnership with Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) and QC+, the fair – Art Basel’s fifth globally – will be held from February 5-7, 2026 (with Preview Days 3-4 February). The 87 participants span 31 countries and territories, and 16 galleries will be showing with Art Basel for the first time – bringing new voices and perspectives onto our global platform.

Conceived under the curatorial direction of Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky, Art Basel Qatar’s first edition departs from the traditional booth model to present an open-format exhibition in which artist presentations respond to a central curatorial theme of Becoming. A meditation on humanity’s constant transformation and the systems that shape how we live, believe, and create meaning, it will unfold across two key venues – M7 and the Doha Design District – as well as selected public sites in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the city’s creative and cultural heart. Both the format and curatorial direction will foreground storytelling and dialogue, offering new ways for galleries, artists, and collectors to engage while maintaining strong market relevance.

Art Basel Qatar – with Visit Qatar as the fair’s Lead Partner – will highlight the vitality of artistic production and the expanding gallery landscape across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The strength of the regional presence in our first edition affirms Doha’s position as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, while linking the fair to Art Basel’s global network of galleries, artists, and collectors.

Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, said: “With Art Basel Qatar, we are furthering our mission to be a catalyst for cultural exchange and market growth. Our gallery line-up for year one is thrilling –welcoming diverse new voices to our platform and deepening our engagement with new geographies, while also creating opportunities across our network of existing clients and established partners. This new venture is only possible thanks to the long-term commitment of our partners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, and I’m excited for the impact our collaboration will have over the coming years.”

Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs for Art Basel, said: “We are delighted with the response to Art Basel Qatar, which has brought together an exceptional roster of leading galleries for our inaugural edition. The breadth and quality of participation speaks to the strength of the project and the excitement it has generated both regionally and internationally. Working with Wael Shawky has been deeply energizing and rewarding: his vision has inspired outstanding presentations shaped around the theme of Becoming.”