Photo courtesy – David Rodrigo/Unsplash

From News Desk

The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of a pioneering art customs duty waiver programme that will position the emirate as one of the world’s most trusted and forward-looking destinations for the long-term placement, conservation and exhibition of high-value artworks. The initiative is established as a framework that prioritises governance, legal clarity and institutional oversight as the foundation for participation.

Developed as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader cultural strategy, the programme offers a unique framework for high-net-worth collectors, family offices seeking a secure and expertly governed environment for the preservation of significant artworks valued from AED 10 million (USD 2.72 million). It also ensures due diligence, documented provenance, ownership transparency and alignment with applicable legal and compliance standards.

The art customs duty waiver programme is eligible for art brought into Abu Dhabi for a minimum term of three years, providing collectors with enhanced flexibility through a six-month export window. At launch, the programme focuses on regulatory certainty and structured oversight, with additional operational services evolving in a phased manner in the coming few months. Participants will also benefit from opportunities for art to be considered for scholarly study, research and curated public engagement.

Applications for the programme will open through the official digital portal, enabling collectors and family offices worldwide to connect with the programme team and begin the eligibility assessment process. Further details will be made available to interested parties upon request.

See more in Art Culture Literature