DUBAI, 20 April 2006 — The International Art and Antique Expo 2006, started yesterday in Dubai. The event showcases an amazing display of rare artworks and priceless antiquities worth Dh185 million. It was inaugurated by DTCM Director General Khalid A. Bin Sulayem.
The three-day Art and Antique Expo, being held under the patronage and support of the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) — Government of Dubai, Dubai Cultural Council and the Emirates Fine Arts Society, was held at the Joharah Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah Hotel.
The event will also witness special auctions of priceless art works on the sidelines, to be conducted by Lifestyle Auctions.
Speaking on the occasion Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM manager, said “It is a great pleasure for us to patronize the International Art & Antiques Expo 2006. The DTCM which has placed Dubai firmly on top of the world tourism map, through a sustained international promotional campaign, takes pride in hosting this event that is attracting artistic talent from the world over.”
“The exhibition is part of DTCM’s overall role in enhancing cultural exchange between different countries and strengthening Dubai’s leading position in the international art scene,” Eyad added.
Speaking on the keen interest shown by the exhibitors, Girish Dabrai, managing director, Global Links said “Dubai continues to be a magnet for any exhibitor because of its strategic location and represents a perfect window to the whole of the Middle East and North Africa.”
The unique Art and Antique Expo will involve more than 100 exhibitors from over 30 countries who will showcase some of their finest collections to the most discerning art lovers.”
“The expo will showcase collections worth more than $50 million. On offer are priceless works of arts and antiquities that not only are collectors’ envy but make attractive investments. I firmly believe that this art and antique expo will provide a new thrust area — investment in art and antique to the growing list of Dubai’s buoyant economic indicators and booming business activities,” Girish added.
Khalil Abdul Wahid from the Dubai Cultural Council said “Art lovers and antique collectors have been eagerly waiting for the expo and given the impressive list of exhibitors, the members of public and discerning art aficionados will be treated a wonderful spectacle of culture, celebration of the elements and beauty.”
The three day event will feature public viewing of the works on display, auction of the priceless art and antique works and one-of-its-kind special charity auction, proceeds of which will be donated to the Dubai Autism Center.
The exhibitors list — a virtual who’s who of the art world — includes the E-artshop from Greece, Sae Fine Jewelry from Indonesia, Reyyan Art Home from Turkey, Royal Athena Gallery, Diner Gallery, Clinton Howell Antiques from the USA, Duinde Gallery from London, Tolman Collection from Japan, Iris Antique Globes and Maps, Kunsthandel Ivo Bouwman, Latin Art Gallery from Netherlands, Hassan Maktabi & Sons from Lebanon, Atlante Tapices Arte Textile from Spain and the private art collection of Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi from the United Arab Emirates.
The official viewing hours for the public are from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 19, 20. On the last day of the event, the displays can be viewed from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The auctions will be held on April 20 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on April 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
