Art Basel has appointed Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky as the artistic director for its inaugural edition in Qatar, scheduled for February 2026. The fair will be held at the M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb from February 5th to 7th, with VIP days on February 3rd and 4th.
This event marks Art Basel's first foray into the Middle East, aiming to highlight leading galleries and artistic talent from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and other regions. Shawky, known for his diverse works exploring Middle Eastern history, will curate the fair's 50 participating galleries under the theme "Becoming."
The selection committee includes prominent figures from the art world, such as Lorenzo Fiaschi, Shireen Gandhy, and Daniela Gareh. Art Basel Qatar is a collaboration between Art Basel's parent company, MCH Group, Qatar Museums' commercial arm QC+, and Qatar Sports Investments. This initiative supports Qatar's cultural vision.