Christie’s Brings $130 Million of Art to Abu Dhabi
Works by Kandinsky, Picasso and Rothko on display as Christie’s prepares to host a landmark auction celebrating its 20th anniversary in the UAE.
Words by Christie's International Real Estate Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi · Oct 28th, 2026
Christie’s is celebrating two decades in the UAE by presenting more than US$130 million worth of art ahead of a landmark auction on 1st November.
Among the exhibition’s highlights is Wassily Kandinsky’s Betonte Ecken, estimated at $60–80 million. The work leads a distinguished selection from Christie’s forthcoming New York 20th and 21st Century sales.
Also on view are Mark Rothko’s Untitled, estimated at $10 – 15 million, and Pablo Picasso’s Tête de femme, a portrait of his muse Dora Maar, estimated at $12 – 18 million. All three works will subsequently travel to New York for auction.
Hosted at The Abu Dhabi EDITION on Al Bateen Marina, the free public exhibition runs from 28th October to 1st November.
MAWASIM: Celebrating 20 Years of Middle Eastern Art
This will be followed by Christie’s first fine-art auction in Abu Dhabi, MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Taking place at 5pm on 1st November, the event brings together exceptional works of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art with masterpieces by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
The sale features 70 works spanning nine decades and drawing from distinguished collections, including the Dalloul Collection in Beirut and Sharjah’s Barjeel Art Foundation.
It celebrates the breadth of artistic expression across the Middle East and North Africa, with works by Paul Guiragossian, Samia Halaby, Marwan, Hassan Sharif and Sliman Mansour. Highlights include Fahrelnissa Zeid’s Composition (1948–49), estimated at $500,000 – 700,000, Mahmoud Said’s Portrait de Princesse Fadia, estimated at $400,000 – 600,000 and Paul Guiragossian’s Noces, which is estimated to fetch $300,000 – $500,000. Entry-level lots in the MAWASIM sale begin at $8,000.
Together, these works reflect the region’s rich artistic heritage and evolving international recognition.
A New Chapter for Abu Dhabi's Luxury Landscape
For Abu Dhabi, this milestone extends beyond the art market. It reinforces the emirate’s appeal to internationally minded collectors and discerning residents who value cultural depth, architectural distinction and exceptional experiences.
As the capital continues to strengthen its global cultural profile, its luxury real estate market benefits from an environment increasingly defined by art, heritage and international connectivity.
Event Details: The exhibition is free to visit from 28 October to 1 November 2026 at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina. The MAWASIM live auction begins at 5pm on 1 November and is ticketed.