World Art Dubai 2024 Wraps Up Another Successful Year with Art Award Winners Ceremony

A Recap of WAD's Landmark 10th Edition and Emerging Talent Initiatives

This past weekend, World Art Dubai (WAD) drew in thousands of art enthusiasts and creatives to the Dubai World Trade Centre for its landmark 10th edition, held in collaboration with Dubai Culture.

Across the four days of the fair, visitors of every age immersed themselves in a diverse range of art experiences, including interactive art installations, captivating live performances, insightful art discussions, and enriching workshops. The expansive programme featured contemporary artworks from over 10,000 pieces exhibited by 400 galleries and individual artists from 65 nations. From paintings and sculptures to live performances, printmaking, photography and digital art, the fair presented a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, catering to the tastes of art enthusiasts of all generations.

Programmes of awards and initiatives concluded on the event’s final day, bringing accolades and opportunities for participating artists.

Mentorship opportunity for young artists

For the anniversary edition, WAD was proud to launch the Art Mentorship Programme. This ground-breaking initiative highlighted a decade-long dedication to nurturing emerging talent and enriching the UAE’s art landscape. The programme provided personalised mentorship from two respected UAE artists: Dr. Najat Makki and Rashid Al Mulla. These accomplished artists mentored aspiring Emirati art students live during the exhibition, guiding them through various artistic styles and techniques. The Art Mentorship Programme served as a vital bridge between emerging talents and the professional art world, offering a platform for creative exchange and professional growth.

Award winners receive exhibition space

World Art Dubai concluded with the prestigious WAD Awards Ceremony, where exceptional artists and galleries were honoured. In its 6th edition, the WAD Emerging Artists Prize, in partnership with Rove Hotels and themed ‘Cultural Crossroads,’ put the spotlight emerging talents from the region and beyond, providing them with a unique platform to showcase their skills and advance their careers. Azaide Robin was announced as winner of the grand prize entitling them to an exclusive opportunity to exhibit their artwork at World Art Dubai 2025 in their own complimentary space. The Emerging Artists Prize included a People's Choice Award category, and Manoj Zinzuwadia was announced as the winner. This award came with a cash prize of AED 5,000. Both winning artists were also treated to a complimentary stay at one of Rove's properties in Dubai.

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown Award selected Rikka Gallery and the artist Ryoten Ogata from Japan as the winners of an exhibition space within the arts-focused hotel.

Additionally, UAE-based UK national David Learman was named Best Photographer.

Young artists lead the way towards 2025

WAD Future Artists Competition saw 12 schools from across the UAE submitting artworks under the theme of ‘Expressions of Emotions’ Repton School received the Grand Award Primary, while GEMS Millenium School was named the Runner-Up Primary, and Nord Anglia School secured the Grand Award Secondary. Gems Legacy School was recognised as the Runner-Up Secondary.

Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: "World Art Dubai 2024 was an incredible celebration of creativity and diversity, bringing together artists and enthusiasts from around the world. I am particularly delighted with the success of the Art Mentorship Programme, which has played a crucial role in nurturing emerging Emirati talent and enriching our art landscape. As we look ahead, we are excited about the new plans we have in store for 2025, building upon the foundation laid this year."

Asma congratulated all WAD Award winners and thanked partners and exhibitors for their contributions, anticipating another successful event next year.

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, the first certified boutique hotel in the United Arab Emirates, proudly serves as the fair's Art Hotel Partner, in addition to Al Hathboor Group, the fair’s Artistic Sponsor.

WAD featured over 10,000 artworks from 400 galleries and solo artists from 65 countries and will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2025. For more information, please visit World Art Dubai’s website at www.worldartdubai.com.