The National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia (NPUAE) is the lead organization behind the UAE’s participation in the International Art and Architecture Exhibitions of the Venice Biennale.

The UAE has participated in the International Art Exhibition since 2009 and the International Architecture Exhibition since 2014. In 2013, the UAE Government signed a historic agreement for the establishment of a permanent national pavilion in the Arsenale – Sale d’Armi for a period of 20 years. The SHF has served as the Commissioner of the National Pavilion since its appointment to that position by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in 2013.

As Commissioner, the SHF provides the majority of funding for the NPUAE and oversees the appointment of the curator for each annual exhibition in consultation with an expert committee. The NPUAE team provides advice to the SHF and works with the appointed curator to help realize their vision for each exhibition. The NPUAE generally seeks to showcase previously untold artistic and architectural stories from the UAE to local and international audiences. 

To learn more about the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, please click here.