Christie's, the world's leading auction house, recently established operations at Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC), becoming the first international auction house to open an office in the Gulf region.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC said, "We are delighted to welcome Christie's to DMCC. The opening of a representative office reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a cultural centre for the arts and jewellery industry and the increasing interest in collecting items such as this throughout the GCC region."
"Today, Christie's has become synonymous with fine arts and is the most reputed and prestigious auction house in the world. DMCC will serve as an ideal platform for Christie's as the centre offers a range of infrastructure and strategic advantages that are of the highest standards ," he added.
The move by renowned companies such as Christie's to set up base in Dubai is providing a major impetus to the jewellery trade and culture in the region. Christie's will eventually be based in the purpose-built Almas Tower (Almas means 'diamond' in Arabic), which will be the focal point for the region's jewellery trade.
Edward Dolman, CEO, Christie's International, said "For over two centuries, Christie's has acted as the leading market place and the cultural guardian for the passage of works of art from collection to collection, country to country. We are delighted to extend our activities to the GCC region through the opening of a non- selling office in Dubai. We hope to play a significant role in realising the Gulf's potential as a new arts and cultural centre."
Lydia Limerick has been appointed as Christie's Representative to the Middle East and will be responsible for developing and overseeing Christie's presence in the GCC region. She will provide access to art experts and enthusiasts in the region, giving them required information on buying and selling works of art at auctions and will act as a local gateway to the international art market.
