In this article, I share my experiences and reflections on the unforgettable visit to the Art Dubai 2024 fair. Four years ago, I had a planned trip to Dubai that, unfortunately, was canceled due to lockdown restrictions. This cancellation left a void in my mind, longing for the experience that eluded me at that moment. Learning about the Art Dubai fair provided me with the opportunity to redeem that pending trip, and it turned out to be a wise decision.

My visit not only focused on the fair but also allowed me to explore the local culture and visit iconic tourist spots such as the Burj Khalifa and the old center of Dubai with its picturesque Arabian shops. This broader focus on cultural experience made my journey much more enriching and meaningful.

Art Dubai exceeded my expectations. Beyond traditional paintings and sculptures, the digital section of Art Dubai emerged as a true treasure of innovation. In Art Dubai Digital, there were fascinating talks during the Digital Summit about the impact of technological transformation on contemporary art and the convergence between technology and digital art, exploring endless present and future possibilities. This immersion in the digital world not only broadened my perspective as an artist but also inspired new ideas, making me consider new forms of expression within my own work, which spans from photography to digital painting and its materialization through fine art printing.

What excited me the most was the proposal from an Italian gallery offering certified digital reproductions of famous artworks from Italian museum collections. These reproductions, including details like the original artwork’s frame, were high-quality digital files available only to a limited number of buyers, providing a unique and museum-certified experience in their homes.

Regarding physical art, I discovered fascinating pieces that I truly liked and others that didn’t align with my style. I saw some works that had already been featured in other fairs, which I found curious, but I also witnessed new ideas and concepts that enriched my perspective as an artist. Art Dubai exposed me to the creations of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern artists, expanding my thoughts with new ideas.

I was surprised to see His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the King of Dubai, visiting the fair, and by chance, crossing paths with him. Discovering that I had been in front of the King of Dubai without initially knowing it was a surprising twist that added an extra layer of astonishment to my experience, prompting me to research more about him and his impact on the construction of Dubai, a city that left me impressed.

As for Dubai, the city stands out for its open and welcoming approach to diverse nationalities. 90% of its 3.5 million inhabitants are immigrants, and unlike other cities, immigrants are welcomed as long as they have employment and resources to sustain themselves. Although they don’t have access to free healthcare or social security, this policy contributes to maintaining a safe and orderly environment. This cultural contrast enriched my experience and provided an opportunity to reflect on different perspectives and ways of life.

Visiting the Burj Khalifa on my last day was a wise decision, as I marveled at this incredible architectural masterpiece embodying the audacity and innovative vision of Dubai. It was a privilege to ascend to the world’s highest lounge at 585 meters and have a 360º view of the city from the 154th floor. I reflected and admired the mindset of those who made the construction of the world’s tallest building possible in just six years and their determination to turn the theoretically impossible into reality.

In conclusion, my visit to Art Dubai 2024 was much more than an excursion to an art fair. It was an experience that allowed me to explore new artistic perspectives, discover a different culture, and appreciate the progressive mindset of the city. It also gave me the opportunity to learn more about the United Arab Emirates, one of the most culturally open countries in the world.

External views of Art Dubai at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Hotel, with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background.

Digital Summit: Exploring The Impact of Technological Transformation On Contemporary Art

Said Atabekov | Aspan Gallery

Moataz Nasr | Galleria Continua

Naeemeh Kazemi | Leila Heller Gallery