Art Dubai 2025: Women Leading Transformative Change in Middle Eastern Art

Art Dubai 2025, held from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah, not only showcased a diverse array of art but also underscored the transformative role of women in shaping the Middle Eastern art scene. This year's fair highlighted a significant shift towards gender inclusivity, with women occupying pivotal leadership positions and spearheading innovative initiatives that are redefining the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates.

Key Appointments at Art Dubai 2025

In a move reflecting its commitment to diverse leadership, Art Dubai appointed two women to senior roles. Alexie Glass-Kantor assumed the position of Executive Director, Curatorial. Formerly the Executive Director of Artspace in Sydney, Glass-Kantor led a major redevelopment of the center and curated significant projects, including Marco Fusinato’s Australian Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022. She also led the Encounters section at Art Basel Hong Kong from 2015 to 2025. In her new role at Art Dubai, Glass-Kantor focuses on developing partnerships, institution building, and overseeing the artistic vision across the company's platforms.

Dunja Gottweis was appointed as Fair Director. With over 12 years at Art Basel, Gottweis served as the Global Head of Gallery Relations and was a member of the management board since 2022. She played an integral role in launching Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Basel Paris. As the new Fair Director of Art Dubai, Gottweis is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the fair's position as the Gulf’s most significant international art gathering.

Women-Led Initiatives Transforming the UAE Art Scene

Beyond the fair, several women-led organizations are making significant contributions to the UAE's cultural landscape.

Art Jameel, directed by Antonia Carver since 2016, operates on the belief that the arts are fundamental to life and should be accessible to all. Under Carver's leadership, the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai champions work that interrogates major contemporary issues. A notable exhibition is "The Peasant, the Scholar and the Engineer" by Spanish artist Assunción Molinos Gordo, addressing the politics of land, labor, and sustainability.

Alserkal Avenue, founded in 2008 and led by Executive Director Vilma Jurkute, has evolved into a vibrant community of contemporary art galleries, performing arts organizations, designers, and artisans. It focuses on nurturing homegrown talent and has become Dubai's main cultural hub. The organization comprises three strands, all helmed by women: Basmah El-Bittar spearheads Alserkal Avenue's evolution, Fiza Akram leads Alserkal Advisory, and Nada Raza directs Alserkal Foundation's curatorial program, which currently hosts Imran Qureshi's "Vanishing Points."

The Ishara Art Foundation, founded in 2019 by Smita Prabhakar, focuses on South Asian contemporary art. It is currently showcasing "Lines of Flight" by Shilpa Gupta, whose work highlights and challenges societal and state impacts on individuals and communities.

8th Street Studios, established by Canadian-Lebanese artist Maha Eddé, is an independent space in Dubai housing five women artists. The studio fosters a collaborative, community-based environment focusing on shared learning and contributing to the wider art scene.

Emirati artist Shaikha is known for her large-scale, minimalist sculptures. Her new work, "Deliberate Pauses," is the largest site-specific art installation set against the landscape of Leem Lake, strategically placed along hiking trails, encouraging visitors to pause and connect with the natural environment.

Art Dubai 2025 Program Highlights

The 2025 edition of Art Dubai featured over 100 galleries from more than 50 countries, emphasizing the fair's commitment to showcasing diverse art forms.

New commissions and installations included site-specific works and interventions by leading international artists. A series of performances and installations by Mexican artist Héctor Zamora marked the launch of a multi-year co-commissioning partnership between Art Dubai and Alserkal Avenue.

The fourth edition of Art Dubai Digital expanded its exploration of new media art and technology, featuring international digital art galleries and collectives.

The fifth edition of the A.R.M Holding Children Programme featured a collaboration between artists Peju Alatise and Alia Hussain Lootah, focusing on the cultural significance of water in the UAE’s landscapes.

Social and Societal Implications

The prominent roles of women in Art Dubai 2025 and the broader UAE art scene reflect a significant shift towards gender inclusivity and empowerment in the region's cultural sector. These developments not only challenge traditional gender roles but also position the UAE as a progressive hub for artistic innovation and leadership. The emphasis on diverse voices and socially relevant themes in exhibitions underscores the region's commitment to addressing global issues through art.

Art Dubai 2025 serves as a testament to the transformative power of female leadership in the Middle Eastern art scene. The fair not only showcases artistic excellence but also reflects broader societal changes towards inclusivity and diversity.