This year’s event not only marks the accession of long-term Art Dubai collaborator Antonia Carver to the post of Fair Director, replacing founding Director John Martin, but a reinvigorated programme which sets out to reflect the the enormous range and energy at large amidst the flourishing Middle Eastern and North African contemporary art scene.

‘In addition to works from more than 80 galleries, Art Dubai 2011 offers an unprecedented level of events to engage the broadest possible community who enjoy seeing, learning about, discussing and collecting art,’ says Carver. ‘From non-commercial art projects to debate and discussion, films, fashion and family events, there is something for everyone – from students to the world’s leading collectors and arts professionals.

It’s this eclectic programming and exciting atmosphere that is one of the reasons Art Dubai is now regarded as the region’s foremost art event. Over the four days of activity, you can not only experience the wealth of work exhibited in the main arena, but take in some of the more off-beat, unique happenings taking place across the location. For example, should you fancy some food for thought, the Global Art Forum presents a four-day series of talks, presentations and discussions that make for fascinating insights into the ideas and theories of today’s leading art practitioners, from around the world. Then there’s Art Dubai Projects 2011, a curated programme of commissions, films, talks and performances, welcoming art enthusiasts to experience the innovation of more than 75 artists. Meanwhile, long-term Art Dubai co-conspirators Bidoun Projects will showcase its 1,000-volume-strong Resource Library and present the Art Park, an underground project space for film, video and talks. This year it will show retrospectives of key video artists and look into the practicalities of working in the region, with in-depth workshops on writing and curating for local practitioners. In all – the fifth Art Dubai is shaping up to be the biggest and best edition of the fair yet!