By the end of last year, 2026 seemed poised to be the year of the Gulf for the art market. In December 2025, Sotheby’s held the first edition of Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, netting $133 million in the process. This past February, Art Basel held the inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar. And, in November, Frieze is set to host the first edition of its newly rebranded fair Frieze Abu Dhabi. But then, after weeks of saber rattling, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The Islamic Republic responded with attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. While the US and Iran are engaged in shaky ceasefire talks, the Gulf’s reputation as a low tax, safe place to do business in the region suddenly doesn’t seem so secure. Related Articles The biggest domino to fall in the art world, so far, has been Art Dubai, the region’s premier fair prior to the launch of Art Basel Qatar and Frieze Abu Dhabi. Set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, the …