Serious art collectors of all backgrounds, and from around the world, will converge on Dubai in February of 2008, as the inaugural gathering of ‘Art and Antiques Dubai’ begins to gather critical momentum, say organizers.
The event – which is being held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al-Owais, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development, and with the full support of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing – will showcase art and antiques valued at more than USD 200 million.
And, say organizers, the confirmed participation of significant international and regional galleries points toward a regional event without precedent.
“It is with great excitement that the Mathaf Gallery is returning to Dubai – this time as a participant in Art & Antiques Dubai Fair in February 2008,” stated Brian MacDermot, Chairman of the Mathaf Gallery.
“We feel that the time has come for a comprehensive fair to be held with dealers who are not just here today and gone tomorrow. People in the Arab world – both local citizens and those coming to live in the area – want to be reassured as to the real value of what they are buying. “Art and Antiques Dubai” hopes to achieve this,” added MacDermot.
Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glass, ceramics, and furniture will be on display for the more than 10,000 visitors expected to attend the February 2008 event. The fair opens on 21 February 2008 and runs up to 24 February 2008 with antiques on display ranging from $5000 (Dhs 18,250) to $1 million (Dhs 3,694,030).
“Dubai has become the epicenter of the Middle East’s art world, and ‘Art and Antiques Dubai’ will soon establish itself as the gold standard”, commented Brian Haughton about “Art and Antiques Dubai”.
