Doha: 87 galleries are set to participate in the inaugural Art Basel Qatar event scheduled for February 2026. In a statement, Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, expressed his excitement about the fair's launch in Doha, emphasizing its potential to expand cultural exchange and stimulate the global art market.

According to Qatar News Agency, Horowitz praised the lineup for its diversity and inclusion of emerging voices, which he believes will open new artistic and market opportunities in the region. Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel's Chief Artistic Officer, noted the overwhelming response to the first edition, citing the strong participation of leading galleries as evidence of the project's resonance with both regional and international stakeholders.

Curator Wael Shawky explained that the theme "Becoming" reflects on the Gulf as a place where oral traditions intersect with digital networks, and where historical trade routes are being reimagined as new channels of cultural exchange. He emphasized that art is not just a witness to history, but a transformative force in shaping identity.

Shawky also hinted at a series of public projects accompanying the fair that will further amplify regional voices, with details expected to be announced soon. Art Basel Qatar promises to offer an ambitious and reimagined art fair experience. By embracing conceptual curation, prioritizing regional perspectives, and fostering deeper public engagement, it positions Doha as a rising force in the global contemporary art scene.

Founded in 1970, Art Basel has grown into one of the world's most important platforms for modern and contemporary art, with successful editions in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. The Doha edition is set to carry this legacy forward while offering something entirely new.