Christie’s to hold first Abu Dhabi fine-art auction ahead of landmark UAE season

Christie’s will host its inaugural Abu Dhabi fine-art auction on November 1, showcasing over 70 pieces by Middle Eastern and North African artists to commemorate 20 years since its first UAE sale. The exhibition will take place at the Abu Dhabi Edition hotel, featuring works by renowned artists like Paul Guiragossian, Samia Halaby, Mohamed Melehi, Nabil Nahas, and Marwan.

The collection spans six decades and includes pieces from prestigious collections such as Beirut's Dalloul Collection and Sharjah's Barjeel Art Foundation. This marks Christie’s expansion into Abu Dhabi as the city becomes a hub for art trade and appreciation. Frieze art fair and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s opening in December further solidify the city’s growing prominence in the art world.

Christie’s first UAE auction took place in Dubai in 2006, and the company’s Middle East headquarters remains in Dubai. Ridha Moumni, chairman of Christie’s Middle East and Africa, emphasizes that future auctions in Abu Dhabi will be determined by the success of this edition and the company’s international schedule. The auction, titled Mawasim: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art, acknowledges the influence of Emirati artist Hassan Sharif on the UAE’s art scene over the past five decades.

The selection encompasses artists from 11 countries, highlighting the diverse contributions to the region’s art landscape. Some of the featured artists, such as Guiragossian and Halaby, will also participate in the upcoming Frieze art fair in Abu Dhabi, allowing collectors to engage with their work during the art season. The auction's preparation has been ongoing for over a year, with the decision to hold it in Abu Dhabi made independently of Frieze’s arrival.

Some of the artists' works will also be exhibited in New York, Paris, and London before the Abu Dhabi viewing, aiming to introduce these artists to international collectors.