Sotheby’s to hold art and luxury exhibitions and auctions in Abu Dhabi

Sotheby’s is preparing to stage a week-long series of auctions and public exhibitions in Abu Dhabi this December, offering visitors a chance to view fine art and luxury objects before they go under the hammer.

Public previews and cultural programme

The events, part of Sotheby’s second Collectors’ Week, will take place at the Saadiyat Grove Experience Centre on Saadiyat Island. The programme includes panel discussions, masterclasses and other cultural events alongside the exhibitions. The public is invited to explore a collection that spans works by international and regional artists, as well as luxury watches, jewellery, cars, handbags and high-performance bicycles.

The exhibitions will lead into six auctions scheduled for 9 and 10 December.

First fine art auction in Abu Dhabi

A highlight of the week will be ‘Breaking Ground’, Sotheby’s first fine art auction in Abu Dhabi, held on 10 December. The sale features works by internationally renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, alongside leading Middle Eastern artists and pioneering Emirati figures.

Luxury lots on offer

The public exhibitions will give a close-up look at standout pieces heading to auction on 9 December. The ‘Shapes of Cartier’ sale will offer around 50 watches from a celebrated single-owner collection, including a rare Twin Strap model dating from approximately 1970 to 1971. Car enthusiasts can view four Ferrari models: a 2009 Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M in its launch colours, a Swiss-delivered 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, a 2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1 HGTC in rare Gris Violet, and a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano in Ivory Cream.

The jewellery collection includes a fancy brown-orange diamond weighing more than 40 carats, a necklace set with rubies and diamonds, and a 10.51-carat crescent emerald and diamond pendant. Handbags and high-performance bicycles round out the line-up.

Auction schedule

The auctions on 9 December are: ‘Icons of Elegance’ (handbags), ‘Shapes of Cartier’ (watches), ‘Colour & Splendour’ (jewellery), ‘The Statement’ (bicycles) and ‘Driven by Design’ (cars). On 10 December, ‘Breaking Ground’ (fine art) will take place.

Further details on public exhibition timings and event access are to be confirmed. Images have been provided by Sotheby’s.