Art Basel Expands to Qatar with Wael Shawky as Artistic Director for 2026 Debut

Art Basel announced its fifth fair location in Qatar, with artist Wael Shawky appointed as artistic director for the inaugural edition in 2026. This expansion, led by Noah Horowitz, contrasts with previous growth to Miami, Hong Kong, and Paris, which were driven by increasing collector numbers. The Middle East currently represents only 1 percent of global art sales, prompting an alternative model for the Qatar fair, developed in collaboration with government agencies Qatar Sports Investments and QC+. Sponsorship from Visit Qatar and Qatar Airways is expected to enhance profitability, according to parent company MCH, which has recently returned to slim profits after losses. Meanwhile, Art Basel Paris completed its second edition with strong sales despite broader market challenges. The company also maintained its partnership with Art Week Tokyo. Existing fairs in Basel, Hong Kong, and Miami continue to adapt to their local contexts, as noted by Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs Vincenzo de Bellis.