Five highlights to look out for at Christie’s first Abu Dhabi fine art auction

Christie’s first fine art auction in Abu Dhabi will showcase over 70 works of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, spanning six decades. The exhibition, titled Mawasim: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art, takes place at the Abu Dhabi Edition hotel on November 1. This marks the 20th anniversary since Christie’s held its inaugural UAE auction in Dubai back in 2006.

The sale features artists from across the Arab world, Iran, and Turkey, drawing from prestigious collections like Beirut’s Dalloul Collection and Sharjah’s Barjeel Art Foundation. Abu Dhabi’s art scene is currently busy, with the Frieze art fair happening later in November and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opening on December 11. Christie’s Middle East and Africa chairman Ridha Moumni expressed the company’s intention to become more visible in the city.

Among the notable pieces, Fahrelnissa Zeid’s Composition (1948-1949) is expected to fetch $500,000 to $700,000. This early abstract work captures Zeid’s transition to the vibrant abstraction that would later define her career. The painting, created during her time at the Iraqi Embassy in London, showcases her experience observing cities and landscapes from the air.

Another significant piece is Mahmoud Said’s Portrait de Princesse Fadia (1952), with an estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000. The portrait, which belonged to Princess Fadia and remained within the family, marks the end of Egypt’s monarchy and symbolizes the family's transition through different stages of life. Paul Guiragossian’s monumental Noces (Wedding) (1958-1959) is another highlight, measuring nearly 2.4 meters wide.

This early work, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000, displays Guiragossian’s anticipation of his mature figurative style, featuring a seated bride surrounded by musicians, dancers, and guests. Lastly, Ahmed Mater’s Golden Hour (2011), part of his Desert of Pharan project, examines the transformation of Makkah through one of the most recognizable Islamic world landscapes.

This photograph, estimated at $80,000 to $120,000, layers religious continuity with modern urban development. Christie’s plans to sell the single artist’s proof, while another edition copy is held by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha.