Christie's Opens First Persian Gulf Presence

Auction house Christie's has established operations at the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC), the first international auction house to establish a presence in the Gulf. The new office will specialize in high value technical consulting and is set to emerge as one of the important centers for art and culture in Dubai.

It will offer some of the finest artworks from the Ottoman era, in addition to precious watches and jewelry.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC said, “We are delighted to welcome Christie's to DMCC. The opening of a representative office reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a cultural centre for the arts and jewelry industry and the increasing interest in collecting items such as this throughout the GCC region.”

“Today, Christie's has become synonymous with fine arts and is the most reputed and prestigious auction house in the world. DMCC will serve as an ideal platform for Christie's as the centre offers a range of infrastructure and strategic advantages that are of the highest standards," he added.

Christie's will eventually be based in the purpose-built Almas Tower (Almas means 'diamond' in Arabic), which will be the focal point for the region's jewelry trade.

“For over two centuries, Christie's has acted as the leading market place and the cultural guardian for the passage of works of art from collection to collection, country to country,” said Christie's International CEO, Edward Dolman.

Lydia Limerick has been appointed as Christie's Representative to the Middle East and will be responsible for developing and overseeing Christie's presence in the GCC region. She will provide access to art experts and enthusiasts in the region, giving them required information on buying and selling works of art at auctions and will act as a local gateway to the international art market.