
Two original Banksy works are on display at the 11th edition of World Art Dubai (WAD), marking the first time his street art appears publicly in the city. The annual fair runs until Sunday, 20 April 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), showcasing over 10,000 pieces by 400+ artists and 120+ galleries from more than 65 countries.
Wonderwall Fine Arts, in partnership with Qube Art Gallery, brought two authenticated Banksy pieces—“Toxic Fuel” and “Running Coppers”—to Dubai. The artworks include certificates from a specialist dealer in Banksy’s work. Previous shows in Dubai featured only reproductions or digital versions. These two pieces are not for sale.
Kimberley McMahon, CEO at Wonderwall Fine Arts, said they recovered the artworks from Gaza 14 years ago and are exhibiting them for the first time. “We locate Banksy works in the UK, restore them, and keep them in our private collection in Al Quoz, Dubai,” she said. Wonderwall plans to launch limited edition prints in May.
Despite Banksy’s originals being off the market, buying interest is strong across the fair. Exhibitors report high footfall and strong engagement from collectors, both returning and new.

Artists Sell Bold Works While Others Celebrate the Moment
Indian multidisciplinary artist Mahesh Sharma sold a 3D portrait of Dubai’s royal family to a VVIP. “I came back to World Art Dubai out of pure passion,” he said. The portrait includes HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sharma spent a year studying local culture and collector preferences. “I adapted my style to reflect Dubai’s multiculturalism,” he added.
German artist Katharina Sophia Schultz joined the fair for the first time. Her work—a depiction of a polo match in the UAE—was sold on Day 3. Schultz, who once destroyed all her earlier paintings, returned to art at 24 and developed a unique mixed-media style combining painting and cutting techniques.
“Selling my first piece here was meaningful,” she said. “This is the only work I’ve ever done. Art is my whole career. World Art Dubai gave me real connection with the community.”
Some artists came to showcase their work without expecting to sell.
Tianyun Qiu of Art Oriental Ltd. from China said, “I chose World Art Dubai because it’s one of the most global, inclusive art platforms. I’m here to enjoy the creativity. I even helped another artist close a sale.”
Family Day, Food Trucks, and Emerging Talent
Sunday at WAD is Family Day. Children 12 and under enter for free with an adult. Workshops include woodworking, arts and crafts, painting, and hands-on projects. Live art and music performances continue throughout the day. Adults can enjoy pottery demonstrations and an open-air food truck zone with options like Knot Bakehouse, Flat 12, and Yamanote Japanese Bakery, including vegetarian and kid-friendly items.
Visitors can also explore the Ripe Market pop-up, featuring fashion, handmade products, art prints, and home decor from 4–9 pm on the DWTC concourse.
Among the youngest attendees was two-year-old Ace-Liam from Ghana. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male artist, he visited the show with his mother, seeking inspiration for his abstract pieces.

Featured Artists and Key Highlights
Other standout artists at the show include:
- Alena Zvereva, known for work celebrating life’s beauty
- Ria Dian, presenting textile-based art
- Zeina Zaki, focusing on purpose-driven painting
The four-day fair offers over 10,000 original artworks in all forms and styles—paintings, prints, sculpture, digital art, and more—by both established and emerging creators.
World Art Dubai is supported by Knightsbridge Group as legal sponsor and ANAX Developments as official property sponsor.
About World Art Dubai
Now in its 11th edition, World Art Dubai brings together global artists and galleries under one roof. The fair targets private collectors, first-time buyers, and corporations seeking original art.
The 2025 edition includes more than 400 participants from 65+ countries, displaying thousands of unique pieces. Mediums range from fine art and photography to street art and fashion-inspired work.
The event includes workshops, talks, art consultancy, and for the first time, a matchmaking program linking artists with galleries.
About Dubai World Trade Centre
Since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre has hosted over 6,000 events and welcomed 38 million business visitors. It contributes over AED 248 billion in estimated economic impact.
DWTC operates Expo Village and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. DEC recently announced a AED 10 billion expansion as part of Expo City Dubai’s development into a global events hub.