Art Basel Qatar 2027 brings 82 galleries and 80 solo presentations to Doha
Art Basel has announced the participating galleries and curatorial direction for Art Basel Qatar 2027, the second edition of its international contemporary art fair in Doha. Taking place from January 28 to 30, 2027, with preview days on January 26 and 27, the exhibition will bring together 82 galleries from 37 countries and territories, presenting 80 single-artist projects. Located across M7, Doha Design District, and selected public spaces in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the fair will operate under the artistic direction of Iraqi curator Wassan Al-Khudhairi.
Organized around the curatorial theme between / بين, Art Basel Qatar 2027 examines relationships between cultural identities, geographical boundaries, and artistic histories. Developed by Al-Khudhairi in collaboration with Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel’s Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs, the concept informs the selection of artists and galleries. Continuing the solo-presentation format introduced during its inaugural edition, the exhibition allows participating galleries to concentrate on individual artistic practices. Approximately half of the featured artists come from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA), establishing a substantial regional presence within the international program.
The participating artists represent different generations, disciplines, and approaches to contemporary art. Regional presentations include Saudi artist Mohammed Alfaraj with Athr, Palestinian artist Yazan Khalili with Lawrie Shabibi, Iraqi-American painter Vian Sora with The Third Line, and Saudi-Palestinian artist Dana Awartani with Chemould Prescott Road. Monira Al Qadiri will be presented by Contemporary Art Platform, while Pakistani artist Waqas Khan will participate through Galerie Krinzinger. Their inclusion reflects the fair’s emphasis on artistic production connected to the MENASA region, including practices addressing cultural memory, material traditions, and contemporary social experiences.
International participation extends across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with established galleries presenting individual artists. Gagosian will exhibit Maurizio Cattelan, David Zwirner will present Oscar Murillo, and Lisson Gallery will feature Anish Kapoor. Other presentations include Andy Warhol with Acquavella Galleries, Rosemarie Trockel with Sprüth Magers, Rirkrit Tiravanija with neugerriemschneider, and Lucio Fontana with Tornabuoni Art. More than 30 galleries will participate in Art Basel Qatar for the first time, including several emerging exhibitors from the Middle East. The selection places internationally recognized figures alongside artists whose work is closely connected to the region.
Beyond the exhibition, Art Basel is introducing Collectors Majlis, a year-round initiative designed to support collecting and strengthen relationships between galleries, institutions, and audiences. Launching in October 2026, the invitation-only pilot program will engage approximately 30 to 40 emerging and prospective collectors through masterclasses, workshops, collection visits, and discussions. Participants will receive practical guidance on acquiring artworks, developing collections, and understanding the international art market. The initiative will also facilitate encounters across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Greece, extending the fair’s activities beyond its annual presentation.
Presented in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, with Visit Qatar serving as lead partner, Art Basel Qatar 2027 will occupy multiple cultural venues within Msheireb Downtown Doha. The distribution of presentations between M7, Doha Design District, and public locations establishes a framework connecting gallery exhibitions with the surrounding urban environment. The 2027 edition also introduces an expanded network of regional and international exhibitors, reflecting Art Basel’s longer-term investment in Qatar’s developing art market. Additional details concerning individual presentations and special projects are expected to be announced ahead of the January opening.
All images courtesy of Art Basel, shared with permission
