When Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) opened its doors in Saadiyat Cultural District in March 2024, it was something of a unique presence among its peers. Initially conceived as a private gallery within the residence of veteran Lebanese art patron His Excellency Bassam Freiha, what ultimately emerged was not just the first and only private art foundation on Saadiyat Island, but a dynamic platform for artists from across the region to display their works in front of a diverse international audience in a way that was open to people from all walks of life.
“The Foundation was established with two guiding goals: to make private art collections accessible to the public, and to provide a platform for artists from the UAE, the wider Arab world and beyond,” Dr Michaela Watrelot, director of exhibitions and head curator, tells GMT GCC. “Today it stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity through art and architecture, presenting exhibitions that both champion Arab artists and collectors, and enable international voices to engage with the region’s heritage and contemporary narratives.” In keeping with this spirit of openness, BFAF offers free access to all its exhibitions and programmes, underscoring its belief that art should be shared, experienced and enjoyed by everyone.
Given its location in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning arts ecosystem, BFAF is most certainly in good company, counting the likes of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Louvre Abu Dhabi as neighbours. “Up until this point, however, the capital’s art scene has been predominantly institution-led,” adds Dr Watrelot. “It has therefore been incredibly exciting to show the impact that private patronage can have.” Indeed, since opening, the foundation has presented several groundbreaking exhibitions including Hour Eternal — Emirati Abstraction, which brought together two decades of abstract art by 14 Emirati artists. “Through these exhibitions and an active programme of talks, artist-led workshops and public initiatives, we’ve collaborated with numerous regional and international partners, building connections that continue to expand the visibility of artists from the UAE and the wider Arab world,” she adds.
These programmes and community engagements are just as important to the foundation as its roster of exhibitions, particularly given philanthropist His Excellency Bassam Freiha’s strong belief in the powers of art education and cultural exchange. “In line with his values, we collaborate closely with schools and universities, offering tailored programmes to inspire and support young artists and curators to ensure that new talents receive all the support they need to grow and succeed,” explains Dr Watrelot. “I’m deeply aware that today’s young people are tomorrow’s artists, curators and cultural leaders, and it’s a privilege to contribute to nurturing their connection with Arab art.” Add to this meaningful interaction with the public through panel discussions, lectures, artists’ talks and tours, and there’s no doubting the Foundation’s deep commitment to creating a cohesive ecosystem for the creative community of Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Curious to see what’s next? Here’s what to look forward to in the coming months…
24 October 2025 – 25 January 2026
Nja Mahdaoui:
The Choreographer of Letters
A landmark retrospective celebrating more than six decades of work by trailblazing Tunisian artist Nja Mahdaoui — one of the most influential figures in Arab modern art and the man credited for reimagining Arabic calligraphy as a universal form of visual expression — this exciting exhibition connects tradition with modern ideas, showing how Mahdaoui’s unique calligraphic style has influenced how people around the world see Arab art. Co-curated by Dr Watrelot and Mahdaoui’s daughter Molka Mahdaoui, not only does it highlight his lasting impact, but also shows the foundation’s commitment to supporting Arab creativity and cultural exchange. “This exhibition also celebrates the launch of the first-ever catalogue raisonné of a Tunisian artist, to be published by Rizzoli,” adds Dr Watrelot.
25 October 2025 – 31 May 2026
Constructing the Orient
His Excellency Bassam Said Freiha is a passionate collector of Orientalist art, and has built a vast personal collection that explores how the Orient was imagined through Western eyes. Many of these pieces, along with key loans from the Ary Jan Gallery (including outstanding paintings by Jean-Léon Gérôme, one of the most celebrated Orientalist artists of the 19th century) feature in Constructing the Orient, an exhibition which explores the visual language of Orientalism through five thematic sections. We’re talking opulent interiors and lively marketplaces, portrayals of Middle Eastern men and women shaped by fantasy and fascination, and much, much more.
3 – 12 November 2025
The Art Circle Award: Story of a Dot
Now in its fifth edition, this annual award, presented in collaboration with The Art Circle, takes its cue from the clean geometry of Bauhaus and the rich legacy of Arab modernism. This year’s theme invites artists to explore the transformative potential of a single dot, with the accompanying group exhibition bringing together this year’s finalists with past winners, celebrating the award’s growing influence in supporting and showcasing emerging regional talent.
18 November 2025 – 25 January 2026
The Shape of Meaning
— Al Burda Exhibition
Last but not least, in response to Nja Mahdaoui’s retrospective, The Shape of Meaning showcases works from the Ministry of Culture UAE’s annual Al Burda exhibition (2008–2023), which celebrates contemporary explorations of the written word. Through inventive uses of form, material and meaning, the show bridges calligraphy’s dual identity — as both visual abstraction and linguistic tradition — highlighting how a new generation of artists continues to renew and redefine this timeless art form.
