Abu Dhabi Launches Art Customs Duty Waiver Programme

In a move to bolster Abu Dhabi's position as a global art hub, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a pioneering Art Customs Duty Waiver Programme. This initiative aims to attract and support international art collectors by eliminating customs duties on art imports into the emirate. According to the press release, the programme 'ensures due diligence, documented provenance, ownership transparency, and alignment with legal and compliance standards.' This is intended to provide confidence and assurance to global collectors looking to acquire and transport artworks to Abu Dhabi. 'The Art Customs Duty Waiver Programme is a significant step in solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global art destination,' said HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi. 'By removing this barrier, we are making it easier for art collectors from around the world to bring their treasured works to the emirate, further enriching our cultural landscape and offering more opportunities for people to engage with the arts.' The move is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to develop its art and cultural ecosystem, building on recent initiatives such as the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum. Experts believe the customs duty waiver will help attract high-net-worth art collectors and strengthen the emirate's reputation as an international art hub.