Christie's Reveals New Highlights Ahead of First Abu Dhabi Fine Art Auction
Christie's has revealed seven additional highlights ahead of its first fine art auction in Abu Dhabi, bringing together significant works by modern and contemporary artists from the Middle East and North Africa.
Titled MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art, the auction will take place at The Abu Dhabi EDITION on November 1, 2026. It will feature 70 artworks spanning nine decades and celebrate the region's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Among the featured works is Iraqi artist Faisel Laibi Sahi's Baghdad Café (The Coffee Shop), created in 2016. The painting depicts the lively atmosphere of an Iraqi coffeehouse, bringing together scholars, merchants, workers and storytellers. It carries an estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000.
Another major highlight is Turkish-Jordanian artist Fahrelnissa Zeid's Composition (1948–1949), estimated at $500,000 to $700,000. The abstract work reflects her distinctive geometric style and influences drawn from Baghdad's skyline, Islamic architecture and Byzantine mosaics.
The auction will also feature Egyptian artist Mahmoud SaĂŻd's Portrait of Princess Fadia, painted in 1952. The portrait depicts Princess Fadia, the youngest daughter of King Farouk, and is estimated at $400,000 to $600,000.
Other works announced include Mohammed Chabâa's Untitled (1965), Ayman Baalbaki's Babylon Tower (2012), Ali Banisadr's Homo Deus (2018) and Saliba Douaihy's Paysage (1980s).
The event marks 20 years since Christie's held its first sale in the UAE in 2006. According to Christie's, the auction celebrates the pioneers who shaped the region's modern art history while highlighting contemporary artistic talent.
The artworks will be exhibited in London from October 8 to 14, followed by a pre-sale exhibition at The Abu Dhabi EDITION from October 28 to November 1. The live auction is scheduled to begin at 5pm on November 1, 2026.
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