Art Basel Hong Kong has officially ended, but it's reverberations throughout the art world are far from over. This year’s edition was a dynamic showcase of Hong Kong’s position as a cultural nexus, and a defining moment for Dubai as it solidified its role in the evolving global art landscape.
MOJEH exclusively attended the fair in partnership with The Peninsula Hong Kong, an official Art Basel partner, marking a momentous step in the region's journey to becoming a leading cultural player. Engaging with the world’s top galleries, collectors and artists, the fair wasn’t simply about witnessing global trends - it was about being part of the contemporary art conversations, reflecting the Middle East’s growing influence within the international art ecosystem.
A standout representation was Dubai’s own Lawrie Shabibi gallery, making its return to Art Basel but its debut in the prestigious main section. The gallery showcased a double booth featuring the works of Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the UAE's most celebrated contemporary artists. Ibrahim’s striking papier-mâché sculptures, which gained international acclaim at the 2022 Venice Biennale, were among the fair’s most talked-about pieces, drawing significant attention and sparking deeper discussions about the Middle East’s evolving narrative in contemporary art.
William Lawrie, co-founder of Lawrie Shabibi, reflected on the gallery's participation at Art Basel, noting that it wasn’t just about visibility - it was about amplifying the voices of Middle Eastern artists on the global stage. "Collectors from across Asia are increasingly curious about the Middle East," Lawrie shared. "In cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai, there’s genuine interest in how our artists blend tradition with modernity. It’s an exciting time for us to be part of this global exchange."
"You have to be aware of what trends are happening. It makes a lot of sense to be getting out there socially. You need both a social media presence and a physical presence. It's not just about the work you're doing, but also about the networks you're building. Coming to fairs like this is as important, in many ways, as staying in the studio."
The gallery’s presence in Hong Kong wasn’t just about exposure but about building a platform for Middle Eastern voices within the international art world. "It's about creating a space for these artists to join the global conversation," Lawrie continued. "We’re seeing growing interest in artists from the UAE, Lebanon, and Pakistan, and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of that movement."
Art Basel Hong Kong also saw participation from collectors and art patrons across 70 countries, with strong sales across all sectors. Works by internationally recognised artists like Yayoi Kusama, Tracey Emin, and Louise Bourgeois were acquired by prominent collections, underlining the fair’s global importance.
As Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong, remarked: "This year’s edition not only featured a diverse and innovative program but also underscored our deep commitment to nurturing Asia’s thriving art ecosystem."
For the Middle East, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 was more than just a fair - it was a statement. The city’s active participation was a clear signal of its rising prominence on the global art scene. With its growing presence, Dubai has proven that it’s not only part of the conversation but also driving it forward. As the Middle East continues to gain recognition, Dubai’s role as a cultural leader is becoming increasingly undeniable.
