Art Basel Qatar Unveils New Fair Format and Appoints Wael Shawky as Artistic Director
Olivia Feldheim
Art Basel has announced the format of its inaugural edition in Qatar, taking place from February 5 to 7, 2026 at M7 in Doha’s Design District, and has appointed renowned Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky as Artistic Director. The fair will introduce an innovative open format centered on solo gallery presentations shaped around a curatorial framework. Shawky will lead the curatorial vision and work with a dedicated Selection Committee to guide the gallery program.
Art Basel has revealed the concept and curatorial leadership for its inaugural fair in Qatar, taking place from February 5–7, 2026 at M7 in Doha, with Preview Days on February 3–4. Departing from the traditional booth layout, the fair will present a newly developed open format focused on solo presentations by galleries, each shaped around a central curatorial framework.
Wael Shawky, the celebrated Egyptian-born artist known for his multidisciplinary work and deep engagement with historical and cultural narratives, has been appointed Artistic Director. He will lead the curatorial vision of the fair and oversee the selection of participating galleries in close collaboration with a dedicated Selection Committee. Shawky will also guide a wide range of educational and public programs connected to the fair, including the transformation of Qatar Museums’ Fire Station into a platform for emerging artists and cultural exchange.
“It is a privilege to work with Art Basel on this groundbreaking new format,” said Shawky. “I look forward to collaborating with galleries and artists to help shape a platform that speaks to the complexity and richness of the region while remaining globally relevant.”
The fair is conceived as a platform that emphasizes artistic intent and curatorial experimentation while fostering dialogue between artists, institutions, and audiences from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
For our inaugural edition in Qatar, we sought a visionary Artistic Director with a deep connection to the region and a bold curatorial voice. Wael Shawky brings exactly that. His practice has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired discourse, and we are thrilled to work with him in shaping this landmark edition.”
The inaugural edition will explore the theme Becoming — a reflection on how shifting systems of belief, identity, and culture inform who we are. Set against the backdrop of a region shaped by deep histories and rapid transformation, the fair will offer a space for artistic perspectives that investigate transition, formation, and narrative.
