This December, the shimmering coastline of Abu Dhabi will welcome one of the most prestigious names in global luxury: Sotheby’s. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the world-renowned auction house is set to launch its inaugural series of high-profile sales in the UAE capital. The event, titled Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, will unfold from December 3 to 5 at the opulent St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

With its serene beachfront setting and proximity to world-class cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-debut Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Island offers a fittingly sophisticated stage for this landmark event.

A Curated Celebration of Excellence

Far more than a conventional auction series, Collectors’ Week will present a curated celebration of craftsmanship and heritage. From ultra-rare timepieces and coveted automobiles to one-of-a-kind gemstones and landmark properties, the offerings promise to capture the attention of connoisseurs around the world.

Headlining the auction is “The Desert Rose”, a 31.86-carat pink-orange diamond of unparalleled rarity, estimated between $5 million and $7 million. Other star lots include a vintage Rolex “Oyster Albino” Daytona, expected to fetch up to $1 million, and a showstopping 2017 Pagani Zonda 760 Riviera, with an estimate of $9.5 million to $10.5 million.

In tandem with the auctions, Sotheby’s will mount a museum-quality art exhibition spanning classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works, creating an immersive experience that reflects the evolving tastes of the region’s growing base of high-net-worth collectors.

A Strategic Shift to the Middle East

Sotheby’s expansion into Abu Dhabi follows its earlier success in Saudi Arabia, where it held the Kingdom’s first international auction earlier this year. The move aligns with the growing appetite for luxury across the Middle East, a market that surged to nearly $13 billion last year, according to the Chalhoub Group.

“Hosting marquee auctions in Abu Dhabi is not just a milestone, it’s a signal,” said Josh Pullan, head of Sotheby’s global luxury division. “Our clientele in the region has become increasingly influential, and it was time to meet them where they are.”

Indeed, Sotheby’s has seen a record number of buyers from the Middle East over the past year. This growing presence reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions as a nexus for cultural and luxury innovation.

More Than an Auction, a Statement of Vision

Beyond the sale of rare objects, Collectors’ Week represents a declaration of intent. It is a vision for how the worlds of art, luxury, and culture can intersect in one of the fastest-growing capitals in the world.

“No other city blends tradition and forward-thinking refinement like Abu Dhabi,” noted Katia Nounou Boueiz, Sotheby’s head of UAE and deputy chairman for the Middle East. “We are proud to contribute to that narrative with a new benchmark in the luxury experience.”

It is a sentiment echoed by local leaders as well. Noora Al Foulathi, head of Abu Dhabi Retail, underscored the event’s significance. “With this global premiere, we do more than introduce extraordinary items to discerning collectors. We spotlight the city’s essence as a refined and vibrant cultural destination.”

A Future Built on Investment and Innovation

This high-profile venture comes on the heels of a strategic partnership between Sotheby’s and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment group ADQ, which infused the auction house with $1 billion in capital. This financial alliance has fortified Sotheby’s position as it expands beyond fine art and into the broader luxury arena.

Under CEO Charles Stewart, the company is increasingly positioning itself not just as an auction house, but as a luxury powerhouse with a presence in key global markets. The pivot to Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal step in that evolution.

The Perfect Storm of Culture, Commerce, and Glamour

Timed to coincide with a dynamic week in the capital, which includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and other high-profile gatherings, Collectors’ Week is expected to draw a global audience of collectors, investors, and tastemakers.

For those attending, the event offers more than a chance to acquire extraordinary objects. It promises an immersive entry into the future of luxury, where provenance meets possibility, and where Abu Dhabi asserts itself as a global capital of elegance and innovation.

Written By: Lydia Kelly

Published: 11th Septmeber 2025