Old is gold

THE UAE will witness an exciting spectacle of art and antiques when leading galleries exhibit at the first Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair.

The prestigious event will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from November 21 to 24. Sponsored by Hydra Properties and organised by Turret Middle East the exhibition, expected to attract worldwide connoisseurs and collectors, will offer around 20,000 individual fine art and antiques exhibits valued at more than US$ 100 million.

Galleries from Paris, Rome, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Cairo, Bangkok, Brussels and Florence will be among those taking part. Visitors can expect to view and purchase a wide range of the world’s finest art and antiques; 17th till 20th century furniture, clocks, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, glass, bronzes, photography and tapestries to Old Masters, contemporary art and ancient Islamic art.

Abdulla Al Amri, Director of Culture and Art in ADACH, highly welcomes the event. "Abu Dhabi, is poised to be a regional and international centre for art and culture. The ADIAAF is a solid step to fulfilling the visionary strategy of the government for the Emirate."

Further, Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret Middle East confirmed, "This is the first time in the Gulf that vetted and authenticated fine art and antiques of the, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th century will be displayed in the region. We strongly believe that such an event will highlight and underpin the vision of Abu Dhabi to be the cultural centre in the region. The Middle East contains some of the most impressive collections in the world in the hands of its collectors," says Richard.

The event and its Dubai counterpart offer the perfect opportunity to buy outstanding arts and antiques and connect with the most important international galleries and dealers. Fair Director, Fran Foster explains: "It is our intention to present a major meeting place for dealers, collectors, connoisseurs, academics and anyone with an interest in the fine arts. High standards will be rigorously applied to all exhibits, thereby ensuring visitors can make their purchases with total confidence."

Among the exhibitors taking part will be Galerie Michel-Guy Chadelaud from Paris, Rome dealers Roberto Parenza, Charles Sackre, Verolino Antiques, Renzo Moroni, Paola Cipriani, Romana Antichia di Marco Parenza and Luigi Colasanti; Galerie St Jacques from Brussels; artist Shafik from Egypt and Morikuma Arts from Tokyo.

Antiquariat Inlibris GmbH from Vienna, and Atrium Antiques from Cairo also mark their names on exhibitors list along side others. UAE galleries exhibitors include Contempo Corporate Art from Abu Dhabi. They will be specialising in Ibero-American art and contemporary art by local artists.