World Art Dubai, the Middle East’s largest affordable retail art fair, is set to return this month with a fierce line-up of diverse, established galleries.

Spread across three halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, the show will run from March 16-19 and feature more than 120 galleries from over 50 countries, and is supported by Dubai Culture. With exhibitors from France, Iraq, Italy, Spain, and many more, the line-up represents a 60 per cent increase in exhibiting galleries compared to last year.

Under the theme ‘Unplug Yourself’, the four-day show promises to bring together a host of local and international art collectors, corporate buyers, and first-time purchasers, with each of the artists’ works created to evoke “inspired thinking”.

For example, Olga Belka – as the world’s only underwater portraitist –is literally taking painting to new depths. Bringing an entirely original concept to the show, the Singapore-based artist will exhibit a range of works created from the bottom of the sea, with each piece having required between two and six 120-minute dives to complete.

“World Art Dubai is an essential engine for growth,” said Belka.“To me, the UAE is full of hardworking and inquisitive youth, and the show is a wonderful opportunity to not only highlight their talent, but bring together a community that truly enjoys art.While my art has a focus on the underwater world and environmental issues, I look forward to exploring what other artists will be displaying, as this edition is set to be the most diverse one yet.”

Belka will not only present her otherworldly artworks, but will be a featured speaker at show, presenting the behind the scenes of her unique techniques and inspirations.

A Colourful Worldisthe recently launched quartet gallery made up of three new artists along with returning exhibitorTomek Kulinski.With all four coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds in Egypt, India, France, and Poland, they together will provide a regionally exclusive demonstration of their varying mediums.

“We are four artists coming together, each with their own story to tell, each raised in different corners of our planet, each speaking nine different languages combined,” said Kulinski.“Yet something brings us together – the connection of art. Our art is inspired by the cultures we are born into and our distinctive lifestyles and travels.”

For those looking to experience fresh, international galleries, this year’s show is set to feature a line-up of prominent artists and galleries. Italy’s Rome-based Monogramma will feature mixed media, whereby multiple materials and product types are used within one piece, Iran’s Germany-based Bahareh Aref Gallery will display their breath-taking portraits at World Art Dubai for the first time, and returning Saudi based gallery, 3D Artworks, who bring with them innovative handmade orientalist reproductions.

Flying the USA flag this year will be Ephemereye Gallery, marking their show debut at WAD. Exclusively showcasing video and moving image art, the gallery will cover a broad range of topics from ‘human and time’ to ‘human and environment’ and will be launching a number of artworks using WAD as a springboard into the MENA region.

Returning World Art Dubai exhibitors include South Trip Gallery, the Chile-based collection will return for a second edition after displaying their artworks at the Chilean Pavilion at Expo 2020.

“I believe that this art fair gives the opportunity to both collectors and future collectors to acquire works of art at a good price,” said Karin Barrera, Director of South Trip Gallery. “For our group, World Art Dubai can offer a vision of South American art to the UAE. It is very important for art to be seen through a different perspective and communicated as cultural exchange between countries.”

With the constantly evolving buying habits of UAE consumers, World Art Dubai is cementing its reputation as the ideal platform for established artists entering the region from overseas. The organic growth of online galleries – particularly in the UAE – has prompted increased demand for in-person events that can drive the relationships that come only with face-to-face meetings.

“World Art Dubai truly embodies the connection between local culture and modernised art,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President – Dubai World Trade Centre. “Through the immersive artists and galleries displaying at the show, it is a vital platform to develop regional and international talent.

“The pandemic has accelerated the evolution of the art scene as the world was given the opportunity to disconnect and artists could further their talents. The exhibition’s continuous growth with accessible art has allowed great entry opportunities for first-time buyers as well as giving long-time collectors the chance to explore commercial art opportunities in the heart of the region.”

INFO: World Art Dubai will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Halls 1-3 from March16-19, 2022 between 1-9pm each day, except Saturday, which runs until 8pm. Tickets cost AED 20 for adults, AED 10 for children, with family packages also available. Buy online to availa 20 per cent discount on ticket cost.