400 artists, 65 countries: World Art Dubai returns in April

Updated 07 April 2025

Arab News

April 07, 2025 22:09

World Art Dubai, the region’s most accessible retail art fair, is returning from April 17-20, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together more than 400 artists and galleries from 65+ countries. The 11th edition promises four days of art, entertainment, and a chance for up-and-coming artists to reach an exciting new global audience.

As WAD continues to evolve, its impact is reflected in the growing number of artists and galleries returning year after year. With an increasing roster of repeat exhibitors, the fair has established itself as more than just an event — it is a thriving global art community. Artists and galleries recognize the platform’s ability to connect them with collectors, industry leaders, and new creative opportunities, reinforcing WAD’s reputation as a must-attend destination for artistic discovery and collaboration.

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global cultural hub, the art fair plays a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding public access to art. This year introduces two major additions to elevate the visitor and exhibitor experience:

• VIP Preview — an exclusive, invite-only event offering first access to connect art collectors and commercial buyers directly with artists.

• Hosted Buyer Program — A tailored matchmaking initiative for collectors and exhibitors ensuring strategic, interest-driven interactions for art acquisitions.

Asma Al-Sharif, assistant vice president at exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “World Art Dubai remains a key platform for artistic exchange, uniting global artists, galleries, and collectors. We are excited to return another year, and unveil new initiatives that enhance engagement and accessibility, making this our most dynamic edition yet. We look forward to welcoming the global art community to Dubai for an inspiring celebration of creativity and culture.”

This year’s fair strengthens its international reach by including new pavilions representing Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Australia, and Estonia. With Zimbabwe’s vibrant modern art, Mongolia’s nomadic culture, Australia’s bold murals, and Mexico’s mirror sculptures, this expansion allows visitors to experience a broader spectrum of global art, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. These additions contribute to WAD’s mission of showcasing diverse artistic voices and fostering a global exchange of ideas.

Additionally, the Emirati and the Philippines pavilions make their debut, spotlighting the regional artistry and positioning local and Southeast Asian artists’ talent and cultural heritage of these regions. The expansion of existing pavilions, including those from Turkiye and the UAE, underscores the fair’s growing influence as a premier international art fair, attracting a wider audience of collectors, designers, and industry professionals.

As a strategic partner, Dubai Culture will present an inspiring program featuring live art demonstrations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and youth art initiatives.

Taking place at the close of Dubai’s four-month-long art season, WAD 2025 promises an exhilarating showcase of creativity. This year’s event features a curated mix of new attractions and returning favorites:

• The Textile Hub — A new dedicated space celebrating the craftsmanship and storytelling power of textiles, featuring live demonstrations, workshops, and interactive exhibits.

• Public Art Initiative with One Central — For the first time, large-scale installations will transform Dubai’s urban landscape, ensuring that the fair’s artistic influence extends beyond its footprint at DWTC, democratizing access to art.

• Artist in Residence Program — The program returns to promote Dubai as a cultural hub, offering international exhibitors the chance to create and showcase their work here.

• WAD Around the World — China is the fair’s Country of Honor for 2025, with a dedicated pavilion of traditional and contemporary Chinese art and live cultural performances.

GE Vernova starts operations at Jafurah power plant

Updated 06 November 2025

November 06, 2025 14:06

GE Vernova starts operations at Jafurah power plant

Updated 06 November 2025

November 06, 2025 14:06

GE Vernova Inc. has announced the start of commercial operations at Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant. The plant is located approximately 125 km southeast of Dammam. GE Vernova provided a holistic solution including the core power plant equipment, its 7HA.01 gas turbine, and a service agreement for 20 years, including maintenance and supply of parts to manage all aspects of the engine’s lifecycle.
The facility is expected to be among the most efficient power plants in ��.
The cogeneration process maximizes energy output by capturing and reusing excess heat or steam. The plant is expected to deliver up to 314 tons/hour of steam, as well as up to 320 megawatts of electricity to support Jafurah gas field operations. By 2030, the Jafurah gas field is expected to produce up to 630,000 barrels of natural gas liquids and condensates, as well as more than 420 million standard cubic feet of ethane per day.
“Significantly increasing gas production capacity over the next decade will positively contribute to the Kingdom’s energy mix and support self-sufficiency in gas supply as demand for power continues to grow in residential and industrial sectors,” said a representative of Doosan Enerbility. “The development of the Jafurah gas field was a very ambitious project and as the engineering, procurement, and construction company, we’re proud to have supported it.”
“This project, featuring GE Vernova’s first H-Class gas turbine completed in ��, has contributed to the local economy by creating direct and indirect jobs and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities,” said Joseph Anis, president and CEO for GE Vernova’s gas power business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, we are proud the turbine was completed and delivered from GESAT, advancing local industrialization and strengthening the Kingdom’s power sector.”
Since its establishment in 2017, GESAT has played an important role in meeting the Kingdom’s demand for gas turbines, specifically through the localized completion of high-performance F-class and H-class gas turbines, and the manufacturing of post cast components and accessory modules.
GESAT was formerly a joint venture between Dussur and GE Vernova. In September 2024, GE Vernova acquired Dussur’s shares to continue enabling economic diversification, localization, high value exports, and talent development efforts in the country to support the Kingdom’s goals under Saudi Vision 2030. The facility is a part of the GE Manufacturing and Technology Center campus.
GE Vernova has contributed to the development of the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure for approximately 90 years. Today, the company’s investments in the country include the Khobar Integration Facility for grid solutions and the GEMTEC campus, which houses a Service and Repairs Center for gas turbines, the MENA Decarbonization Center of Excellence, and a Monitoring and Diagnostics Center for the remote monitoring of power generation assets, in addition to GESAT.

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