DUBAI.- The third edition of Abu Dhabi Art, the leading platform for international modern and contemporary art, has today launched its diverse 2011 programme on Saadiyat Island.

Abu Dhabi Art 2011 will be housed in the new UAE Pavilion which was designed by Foster + Partners as well as Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Saadiyat Cultural District’s exhibition center, opened since 2009. The huge UAE Pavilion, originally designed for the Shanghai World Expo 2010 has been relocated in more than 24,000 individual parts and was inspired by the golden sand dunes of the Emirates.

Organised by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH,) this year’s expanded international programme includes a boutique art fair made up of around 50 prestigious and innovative galleries as well as exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions and more. This year will also see a larger design platform and workshops with leading practitioners, a family focused ‘Art Zone’ and an exclusive VIP Zone, the Majilis.

“We are delighted to welcome such a large, international audience to Saadiyat Island and the UAE pavilion in the Saadiyat Cultural District,” commented His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC, ADACH and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. “The breadth of the 2011 programme of Abu Dhabi Art allows us to show the world our ambitious plans as a cultural destination and to recognise the extent of what is already happening here.”

“We are delighted that so many artists, galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts find the unique cultural context of Abu Dhabi a fixed part of their annual calendar, and we believe that our multicultural programme offers a truly global perspective. Since the inception of Abu Dhabi Art three years ago, Abu Dhabi has become a recognised destination for both international collectors and for those nearer to home, and some of the world’s leading galleries take to broaden their market reach and international reputation.”

Abu Dhabi Art Host Committee is formed by the Ruling Family of Abu Dhabi chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown-Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Abu Dhabi Art 2011’s principal sponsor is Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and Dolphin Energy is associate sponsor for the second consecutive year. The Abu Dhabi Art Majlis & VIP Programme is sponsored by BVLGARI, and the Abu Dhabi Art Library Sponsor is PF Emirates.