Abu Dhabi Introduces Art Customs Duty Waiver to Attract Collectors

The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has launched a new art customs duty waiver programme designed to attract collectors, family offices and private institutions seeking to place and conserve high-value artworks in the emirate. The initiative establishes a governance-led framework that combines regulatory certainty with structured oversight, positioning Abu Dhabi as a destination for long-term cultural stewardship.
Under the programme, artworks imported into Abu Dhabi for a minimum period of three years are eligible for a customs duty waiver. Works leaving the emirate will benefit from a six-month export window. Participation requires documented provenance, ownership transparency and due diligence, with applications reviewed through a formal process to ensure compliance with international standards. A specialised committee of global experts will assess submissions to safeguard significant cultural assets and ensure alignment with the programme’s criteria. A dedicated digital portal will allow collectors and institutions to submit expressions of interest, access detailed guidelines and engage with advisory specialists. Selected works may also be considered for scholarly research, study and curated public engagement initiatives.
The department said the programme’s success will be measured through regulatory integrity, effective oversight and adherence to global best practice. Operational services linked to the initiative will be rolled out in phases over the coming months, with applications opening via the official digital portal.