Art Basel to Launch First Doha Art Fair in 2026

Art Basel, in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), QC+, and its parent company MCH Group, will launch its first Middle Eastern art fair in Doha, Qatar, in February 2026. The inaugural Art Basel Qatar event will be a boutique fair, significantly smaller than other editions, featuring about fifty carefully selected galleries at the M7 creative hub and Doha Design District in Msheireb. The fair aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and reinforce the country’s status as a global cultural and tourism destination. The initiative seeks to nurture local artistic talent, foster global partnerships, and provide a platform for artists, collectors, and galleries from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Qatar’s recent investments in museums and creative hubs support the fair’s ambition to strengthen the nation’s creative economy and international cultural profile. Leadership from Art Basel and Qatari officials highlight the event's importance in expanding the global art market and supporting cross-cultural dialogue.