ABU DHABI ART 2009
The 1st edition of the fair was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Launched in November 2009, the debut of Abu Dhabi Art established a major international platform for modern and contemporary art, while also providing a unique introduction to the world of design.
Organized through a collaboration between the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), the fair was envisioned as a modern-day equivalent to the ancient Silk Road. It sought to foster a new era of cultural and intellectual exchange by bringing together an exclusive selection of leading art dealers and innovative galleries from all four corners of the globe.
The inaugural event went beyond a traditional art fair, surrounding its exhibitors with a rich schedule of:
Special Exhibitions: Showcasing curated works of international caliber.
Public Programmes: Engaging the community through talks and workshops.
Cultural Events: Establishing Abu Dhabi as a rising hub for global artistic dialogue.
19-22 November 2009 | 4–11 PM
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
INTRODUCTION
Explore the foundational efforts behind the debut of Abu Dhabi Art. This retrospective features the original foreword and leadership’s vision for the city’s cultural landscape, alongside glimpses of the international press briefing, behind-the-scenes footage of the exhibition setup, and the strategic missions of TDIC and ADACH.
ABU DHABI ART CAFE AND ARTYFACT
Abu Dhabi Art featured a signature café with panoramic views alongside a dedicated retail shop. The shop offered a curated selection of art and design objects, including exhibition catalogues, bespoke gifts, and limited-edition pieces by local designers. The retail space was uniquely designed through a collaboration between Pink Tank and Fikra.
MAIN SHOW
Explore the highlights of the inaugural edition’s main show, featuring the participating galleries and 'Beyond'—a curated sector for large-scale works and installations exhibited throughout the fair. Also showcased are the Emirati Expressions pavilion and archival glimpses of the fair’s vibrant atmosphere.
MIDDLE EASTERN PLATFORM
Explore the vibrant cultural landscape of the region through this page, featuring three pioneering non-profit foundations and the debut of the interactive Bidoun Library.
THE GUGGENHEIM: THE MAKING OF A MUSEUM EXHIBITION
This landmark exhibition marked the first collaboration between the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Abu Dhabi. Explore the masterful works and educational programs that laid the foundation for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
THE FUNERALS OF MONNA LISA
Read more about the powerful intersection of history and contemporary art through 'The Funerals of Monna Lisa,' and discover how the artist reimagined the world's most famous icon to celebrate the birth of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the eternal cycle of life, death, and painting.
DESIGN PROGRAMMES
This year, the participating artists explore the intersection of subjective memory and ecological concerns, navigating the space between historical roots and contemporary life. These commissions propose a ‘third space’ beyond day and night, reflecting a cosmopolitan vision of the Gulf and its evolving environment. Supported by Friends of Abu Dhabi Art and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Art’s Global Partner HSBC.
ABU DHABI ART EDUCATION
Curated by Dr. Dr. Venetia Porter, this year’s exhibition presents a survey of an evolving artistic practice, exploring the deep-rooted connections between the landscape of Al Ain and the presence of humanity.
BOOK LAUNCHES AND SIGNINGS
This year’s Pavilion Prize competition, themed ‘Why Do Materials Die Young,’ was won by students Abdulla Abbas, Omar Darwish, and Salama AlHammadi (American University of Sharjah), whose design highlights the impact of climate change and construction waste through the use of sustainable and recycled materials.
TALKS AND LECTURES
Students nationwide with an interest in graphic design were invited to participate in a competition to reimagine the Abu Dhabi Art logo.
PERFORMANCES
Discover performances by local and international artists at the fair, activating multiple spaces throughout the venue.
ABU DHABI TOURS
Beyond connecting visitors with artworks through hands-on activities inspired by the fair, Abu Dhabi Art also provided guided city tours in multiple languages.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Our sponsors and partners are key to Abu Dhabi Art. Learn more about this year’s supporters and their roles.
