Christie’s is marking 20 years since its first sale in the UAE with a landmark auction in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than six decades of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art. 

Taking place on November 1 at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, MAWASIM: 20 years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art will be Christie’s first fine art auction held in the capital. The sale comes two decades after the auction house made its UAE debut in Dubai in 2006. 

Meaning “seasons” in Arabic, MAWASIM reflects both Christie’s history in the region and the continued evolution of its art scene. More than 70 works will be presented, spanning over six decades and tracing artistic movements across the Middle East and North Africa. Artists from Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, Syria, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are represented throughout the sale. 

Among the highlights is Paul Guiragossian’s Noces (Wedding) from 1958 to 1959, estimated at USD 300,000 to 500,000. The large-scale work, which comes from the Farid Trad Collection, depicts a vibrant wedding scene and reflects recurring themes of home, community and human connection within Guiragossian’s practice. 

Also included is Samia Halaby’s Yesterday from 1978, estimated at USD 200,000 to 300,000. Created during one of the Palestinian-American artist’s most celebrated periods, the painting explores geometric abstraction through colour, movement and spatial perception. 

Other notable works include Mohamed Melehi’s A30 from 1962, Nadia Saikali’s Mandala Bleu Nuit from 1982, Marwan Kassab-Bachi’s Kopf (Head) from 1987 and Nabil Nahas’ monumental Inka Dinka Doo from 2013. Together, the works reveal the range of artistic approaches that have shaped the region, from abstraction and portraiture to explorations of colour, spirituality and nature. 

The auction arrives during an important moment for Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape. It will be accompanied by previews, talks and educational events, taking place ahead of Frieze Abu Dhabi in November and the opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in December. 

A pre-sale exhibition will be held at The Abu Dhabi EDITION from October 28 to November 1, giving visitors the opportunity to view the works ahead of the live auction on November 1. Twenty years after Christie’s first UAE auction, MAWASIM not only looks back at how Middle Eastern art has evolved, but also places Abu Dhabi firmly at the centre of its next chapter. 

Images provided by CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2026