For some, building an art collection can seem like a daunting endeavour, from understanding different artists' practices to contacting the galleries that represent them. World Art Dubai takes on a more open and accessible approach.
Now in its sixth year, the art fair is a platform for affordable works, featuring emerging artists, photographers and creatives experimenting in fashion art. Kicking off on Thursday, October 8, the event showcases more than 3,000 artworks for sale, and visitors can purchase the pieces directly from amateur and emerging artists at lower prices.
As World Art Dubai opens, we have put together a selection of five artworks that are currently available for under Dh1,000. These include Emirati artist Mouza Al Mansoori's Somewhere In Bahrain, priced at Dh650, which shows a dark figure in a lush setting rendered in loose, soft strokes, as well as Takwa Sabry's Like A Bird, a mixed media piece with gold leaf. The Egyptian artist is selling the piece for Dh735.
Another available work is Amrita Sethi's signature "voice note art" on Paris, priced at Dh985. The Kenyan-born British artist creates shapes based on the soundwave of the city's name. Aboriginal artist Reuben Manakgu draws influences from his roots with his painting of a turtle depicted in earth tones with a geometric pattern on its shell. The work is available for Dh102. Meanwhile, Shelina Khimji's Sunset by the Ocean captures a moment in Zanzibar as twilight falls. Originally a piece of linen art, the artist has also created prints, which sell for Dh660.
The fair will also feature an Art for Every Wall, which includes pieces for less than Dh3,000. Running until Saturday, October 10, the fair will have live activations and performances, including an Art Fashion show, with selected artists presenting pieces on the runway.
The fair runs until Saturday, October 10, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information, visit worldartdubai.com
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Read more:
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
