Sotheby’s yesterday opened its Dubai gallery and office in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Also present at the event was Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Sotheby’s President and CEO Tad Smith, and Sotheby’s Chairman for the Middle East Edward Gibbs. 

Marking the launch of Sotheby’s Dubai, the company’s largest and most wide-ranging exhibition in Dubai to date was unveiled in its gallery.

Bringing together worldwide highlights from Sotheby’s international auction calendar spanning the forthcoming season, the exhibition stars highly sought-after masterpieces by celebrated artists from the region alongside myriad pieces of historical importance, and a selection of exceptional jewellery and watches. 

The exhibition is open to the public until March 19 from 10 am to 8 pm.

Notable exhibition highlights include:

• Seminal works by important female artists from Fahrelnissa Zeid and Madiha Omar to Samia Halaby and Monir Farmanfarmaian and a museum-quality work by modern master Bahman Mohasess.

• One of the most important watches ever to be offered at auction – the legendary Patek Philippe Yellow-Gold Calibre 89, which is offered for sale with an estimate of $6.4-9.9 million.

• Historic Islamic works of art spanning thousands of years.

• One of the world’s great treasures – the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond known as The Pink Star – is also on view.

An expanded programme of year-round events will be held in the new gallery, including selling and non-selling exhibitions, events and talks, reflecting the spectrum of Sotheby's international sales and extensive client services. The office will complement the existing network of offices across the region.

Sotheby’s Dubai is the latest addition to the company’s global network of 80 offices across 40 countries.