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Welcome to MENA Art

Exclusive access to galleries and artists across the region etc.

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How would you describe
your connection to art?

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Welcome.

Art investment in the MENA region is evolving rapidly, blending cultural insight with strong market growth.

Would you like to:

Art Investment
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ADAI champions artists from across the Middle East and North Africa

Artist
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ADAI works with artists across the Middle East and North Africa to ensure their work is seen, understood, and contextualized. Representation on ADAI means supporting artists through curated visibility, research, and digital presentation, connecting their work to audiences, exhibitions, and broader cultural conversations.

Artists featured on ADAI are not exclusively signed or commercially represented— instead, ADAI provides a platform to showcase your practice, highlight your perspective, and situate your work within the evolving landscape of MENA art.

By representing your work on ADAI, you gain access to:

  • Curated profiles that highlight your artistic journey
  • Opportunities for exposure in exhibitions, publications, and online showcases
  • Connection to audiences, researchers, and institutions interested in MENA art

Representation is about visibility, context, and community - helping your art reach the right audiences while respecting your autonomy as an artist."

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Beautiful. Curiosity is
where collecting begins.
Would you like to?

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Which era are you most curious about?

Ancient Ancient
ANCIENT & ISLAMIC
FOUNDATIONS
Modern Art Modern Art
MODERN ART &
POST-COLONIAL
MOVEMENTS
(1950S-80S)
Contemporary Voices Contemporary Voices
CONTEMPORARY
VOICES (1990S-
TODAY)
A Full Journey A Full Journey
A FULL JOURNEY
(PAST → PRESENT)
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What aspect of MENA art
should we focus on?

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Founders of Arab Modernism (1920–1940)

Often referred to as the era of Al-Ruwad (The Pioneers), this period marks the birth of modern Arab art. Many of these artists were sent on government-sponsored scholarships to study in European capitals like Paris and Rome. Upon returning home, they blended Western academic techniques (such as Impressionism and Realism) with local subjects, landscapes, and the emerging concept of national identity.

Top Artists:

  • Artwork Patterns
    Mahmoud Sa'id (Egypt)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Moustafa Farroukh (Lebanon)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Mohammed Naghi (Egypt)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Habib Srour (Lebanon)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Mahmoud Mokhtar (Egypt - pioneer of modern Egyptian sculpture)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Omar Onsi (Lebanon)
Artwork Patterns Artwork Patterns
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National Movements & Abstract Innovation (1950–1970)

Following World War II, as Arab nations gained independence from colonial powers, artists sought to break away from European academicism to forge distinctly localized modernisms. This era saw the formation of major artist collectives, such as the Baghdad Group for Modern Art and the Contemporary Art Group in Cairo. Pan-Arabism, decolonization, and the revival of ancient heritage (like Pharaonic or Mesopotamian motifs) were massive drivers of this era.

Top Artists:

  • Artwork Patterns
    Jewad Selim (Iraq)
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    Faik Hassan (Iraq)
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    Hamed Ewais (Egypt)
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    Saloua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon)
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Figurative Expression & Political Engagement (1960–1980)

This period was heavily defined by regional political turmoil, most notably the 1967 Six-Day War (the Naksa or 'setback'), the Palestinian exodus, and the Lebanese Civil War. Art became a crucial tool for resistance, political commentary, and documenting human suffering. Existential angst and national trauma led to an emotionally charged, often somber, figurative expressionism.

Top Artists:

  • Artwork Patterns
    Ismail Shammout (Palestine)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Leila Nasir (Syria)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Sliman Mansour (Palestine)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Samia Halaby (Palestine)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Dia Azzawi (Iraq)
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Hurufiyya & Abstraction with Cultural Identity (1960–1990)

The Hurufiyya (Letterism) movement is arguably the most significant and cohesive modernist movement to emerge from the Arab world. Artists deconstructed Arabic calligraphy, liberating the letters from their linguistic and religious functions to use them as purely abstract, rhythmic, and visual elements. This allowed them to engage with global abstract expressionism while remaining deeply rooted in Islamic and Arab heritage.

Top Artists:

  • Artwork Patterns
    Shakir Hassan Al Said (Iraq)
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    Kamal Boullata (Palestine)
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    Madiha Umar (Iraq/Syria - widely considered a pioneer who started exploring this in the 1940s)
  • Artwork Patterns
    Ibrahim El-Salahi (Sudan)
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Contemporary & Transnational Voices (1990–2020)

Driven by globalization, the diaspora experience, and new technologies, Arab art in this era expanded well beyond traditional painting and sculpture. It became heavily characterized by video, photography, installation, and performance art. Operating on a global stage, these artists tackle complex themes of post-colonialism, migration, memory, borders, and gender identity.

Top Artists:

  • Artwork Patterns
    Mona Hatoum (Palestine/UK)
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    Yto Barrada (Morocco/France)
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    Wael Shawky (Egypt)
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    Akram Zaatari (Lebanon)
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Select how you'd like to browse

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Choose your medium

SCULPTURE SCULPTURE
SCULPTURE
WORKS ONCANVAS WORKS ONCANVAS
WORKS ON
CANVAS
WORKS ONPAPER WORKS ONPAPER
WORKS ON
PAPER
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PRINTS ANDEDITIONS PRINTS ANDEDITIONS
PRINTS AND
EDITIONS
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Choose a style to explore

Abstract Abstract
ABSTRACT
Figurative Figurative
FIGURATIVE
Traditional Traditional
TRADITIONAL
Contemporary Contemporary
CONTEMPORARY
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Browse by Region

Gulf Gulf
GULF (GCC)
Levant Levant
LEVANT
North Africa North Africa
NORTH AFRICA
Other / All MENA Other / All MENA
OTHER /
ALL MENA
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COUNTRY
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Algeria
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Lebanon
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Qatar
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Saudi Arabia
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Sudan
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Turkey
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  • Browse By Style
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ART-LED JOURNEYS

Gain exclusive access to art, culture, dining, and events led by curators, gallerists, and regional experts.

Explore Cultural Capitals

The MENA region is home some of the world's most vibrant cities, each shaped by artists, institutions, and an evolving creative scene.

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi
Dubai Dubai
Beirut Beirut
Riyadh Riyadh
All Cities All Cities
Doha Doha
Sharjah Sharjah
Marrakech Marrakech
Cairo Cairo

Begin Your Curated Journey

Share a few details and an ADAI Cultural Concierge will curate a personalized itinerary for you.

Step 1 Tell us about your trip
Step 2 Refine your preferences
Step 3 Preview your journey
Destination: Open to anywhere
Open to anywhere
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Beirut
Riyadh
Doha
Sharjah
Marrakech
Cairo
Dates: Flexible dates
Duration: Flexible stay
Flexible stay
1 day
2–3 days
4–6 days
7-9 days
10-14 days
15+ days
Visitor: Individual
Individual
Couple
Small Group
Large Group
Institution

How Would You Like Your Day to Feel?

Explore
Explore

Balanced pace across key locations

Relaxed
Relaxed

Fewer stops, more depth

Deep Dive
Deep Dive

Immersive, insider access

Preview Your Journey

Here's an example of what your curated experience could look like. An ADAI Cultural Concierge will tailor this journey, unlock private access, and handle arrangements.

1

Curated Museum Tour

Abu Dhabi

Begin your cultural journey with a thoughtfully curated museum visit, offering insight into the region's artistic heritage and global influences. Each experience is tailored to your interests for a meaningful and immersive introduction.

Museum Tour
2

Handpicked Dining Experience

Abu Dhabi

Pause between cultural discoveries to savor standout restaurants that showcase the region's rich flavors and creative cuisine. We select each venue to complement your itinerary and elevate your day through taste and atmosphere.

Dining Experience
3

Immersive Art Moment

Abu Dhabi

Step into a more intimate encounter with art, designed for reflection and deeper engagement. These moments offer a quieter, more personal way to connect with the work.

Art Moment

Connect with a Cultural Concierge to refine every detail, unlock exclusive access, and receive your final itinerary.

Art-led Journeys, refined by Experts

A Cultural Concierge will shape your art-world journey, unlock private access, and tailor each experience based on your interests and timing.

Speak with a Cultural Concierge

Refine your journey with a dedicated ADAI Cultural Concierge.
We'll personalise every detail, unlock exclusive access, and handle all arrangements for you.

Your Cultural Concierge will be in touch within 24 hours.

Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI

Highlights

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