Christie's Prepares for Historic Fine-Art Auction in Abu Dhabi to Kick Off Landmark UAE Art Season

Christie's is set to host its very first fine-art auction in Abu Dhabi on November 1, showcasing over 70 works by artists from across the Middle East and North Africa to celebrate two decades since its inaugural UAE sale. Titled Mawasim: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art, the event will take place at the Abu Dhabi Edition hotel and will feature notable pieces by Paul Guiragossian, Samia Halaby, Mohamed Melehi, Nabil Nahas, and Marwan.

Spanning more than six decades, the selected artworks include contributions from Beirut's Dalloul Collection and Sharjah's Barjeel Art Foundation. This expansion brings a prominent London-established auction house to Abu Dhabi as the capital solidifies its status as a major hub for art trading and viewing, coinciding with upcoming regional events like the Frieze art fair and the scheduled opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on December 11.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ridha Moumni, chairman of Christie's Middle East and Africa, emphasized that the event is intended to establish a lasting presence in the city, with future auctions depending on this edition's reception and the company's international calendar. The landmark sale will also pay tribute to Hassan Sharif by featuring his work alongside other Emirati artists who drew inspiration from his profound influence on the UAE's art scene.

The carefully curated selection for Mawasim—meaning "seasons" in Arabic—includes creations from Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, Syria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Highlights range from Paul Guiragossian's 1955 painting Noces (Wedding) to Samia Halaby's abstract work Yesterday (1978) and Mohamed Melehi's 1962 piece A30 from his famous "black works" series.

Significant institutional contributions will also support the auction, including five works from the Barjeel Art Foundation—such as Nadia Saikali's Mandala Bleu Nuit—and eight pieces from the Dalloul Collection, featuring Inji Efflatoun's Untitled (1987). To build international anticipation, select works will embark on a global preview tour visiting New York, Paris, and London prior to the final Abu Dhabi exhibition and live auction.