Gulf Art Investment – Quo Vadis?
We are delighted to share our latest whitepaper, “Gulf Art Investment — Quo Vadis? Legal Structuring & Tax Implications for Art Collectors and Institutions in the UAE: Insights from Roundtable”, exploring the legal, tax, and structural frameworks shaping the future of the art market in the UAE and beyond.
With growing interest from the next generation of collectors and philanthropists, art investment in the Gulf is poised for significant evolution. This new wave of collectors is driving demand for more sophisticated structuring, tax efficiency, and clarity in the regulatory environment.
Key Takeaways:
- The UAE is emerging as a global art hub, attracting international collectors and institutional players.
- Regulatory developments, including the introduction of non-profit art institutions are a step in the right direction — but much depends on forthcoming executive regulations.
- Tax incentives such as corporate tax deductions, VAT exemptions, and customs duty relief are critical to fostering a thriving art ecosystem.
- Challenges around temporary imports of art remain, with current policies requiring careful navigation.
“As next-gen collectors take the lead, we are seeing a shift towards more structured, purpose-driven art holdings. Using vehicles like UAE foundations allows families to preserve the integrity of their collections while balancing philanthropic aspirations and asset protection.” – Kath Zagatti, Partner – Private Clients, M/HQ
“Tax planning is a critical component of any art investment strategy. Collectors and institutions should be mindful of the opportunities within the UAE’s evolving framework, while also anticipating potential challenges around cross-border taxation and customs rules.” – Keerthi Voodimudi, Senior Director – Tax, Re/think
Read the full whitepaper for a comprehensive overview of the evolving art investment landscape in the Gulf, including an in-depth analysis of the legal and tax frameworks supporting the market. Discover how next-generation collectors can structure their collections strategically for long-term success.
