Banksy’s Iconic Street Art Lands in Dubai for World Art Fair

Two original works by the elusive and politically charged street artist Banksy have found their way to Dubai, captivating audiences at World Art Dubai with powerful imagery and global resonance. The stencilled pieces — Toxic Fuel and Running Coppers — are now on public display for the first time in the UAE, offering local and international visitors a rare glimpse into the work of one of the art world’s most enigmatic figures.

The artworks were “discovered in Bristol, UK and Birmingham, UK, respectively,” according to Kimberley McMahon, CEO of Wonderwall Fine Arts, the gallery responsible for exhibiting the pieces in partnership with Qube Art Gallery. “We spot Banksy artworks in the UK, collect and restore them, and then ship them to our private collection based in Al Quoz, Dubai,” McMahon explained.

While the two headline pieces serve as a major draw at the fair, McMahon also revealed the existence of two previously unseen Banksy works retrieved from Palestine. “There are two pieces we rescued from the Gaza Strip 14 years ago, which we haven’t released to the public eye yet,” she said. These works, created during Banksy’s 2011 visit to the region, are expected to be unveiled at a later date, sparking anticipation in the global art community.

Banksy’s relationship with Palestine spans nearly two decades, with murals and installations scattered across Gaza and the West Bank, forming a politically poignant unofficial collection sometimes dubbed “West Banksy.” His works often highlight themes of military oppression, loss, and resistance. A particularly memorable project came in 2015, when Banksy released a satirical tourism video promoting Gaza as a destination. “Make this the year you discover a new destination. Welcome to Gaza,” the video’s opening text read, sharply contrasting picturesque travel marketing with scenes of conflict and devastation.

Despite their cultural significance and high market value, McMahon made it clear that none of the original pieces on display are for sale. “Banksy is priceless,” she stated. However, limited-edition prints will be available for purchase from the end of May, offering collectors a chance to take home a piece of Banksy’s message-driven art.

World Art Dubai, now underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, features over 400 artists and galleries from more than 65 countries. While the event places a strong emphasis on accessible art — with prices ranging from $100 to $20,000 — its ambition extends far beyond the commercial. This year’s edition includes a thought-provoking talks programme exploring themes such as the impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries.

Banksy’s presence at the fair adds a weighty layer of political and cultural commentary, reinforcing art’s role as a mirror — and a megaphone — for global concerns. As his works quietly challenge the status quo from the walls of war zones to the polished floors of Dubai galleries, one message remains clear: street art, though rooted in rebellion, belongs in every corner of the world.