The UAE will witness an exciting spectacle of art and antiques when leading galleries exhibit at the first Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair. The prestigious event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 21 -24 November 2007.

The exhibition will offer around 20,000 individual fine art and antiques exhibits valued at more than US$ 100 million. Furniture, clocks, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, glass, bronzes, photography and tapestries to Old Masters, contemporary art and ancient Islamic art will be on display.

Abdulla Al Amri, director of culture and art in the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), highly welcomes the event: “Abu Dhabi, the capital of the nation, is poised to be a regional and international centre for art and culture. The Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a solid step to fulfilling the visionary strategy of the government for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

 â€œThis is the first time in the Gulf that vetted and authenticated fine art and antiques of the, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th century will be displayed 
in the region, confirms Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret Middle East, proud organizer of the event and one of the leading exhibition organizers in the Middle East. “We strongly believe that such an event will highlight and underpin the visionary strategy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to be the cultural centre in the region. The Middle East contains some of the most impressive collections in the world in the hands of its collectors. The Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair and its Dubai counterpart offer the perfect opportunity to buy outstanding arts and antiques, to connect with the most important international galleries and dealers.

To ensure only the highest standard of excellence, a Standards Committee has been set up to pass each exhibit for quality and authenticity. Fair Director Fran Foster, Turret Middle East: “It is our intention to present this prestigious event of international standing, making it a major meeting place for dealers, collectors, connoisseurs, academics from all over the Middle East.

“We are proud to host such a prominent exhibition, says Simon Horgan, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). “The distinct  efforts of the Government of Abu Dhabi on establishing museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and many other strategic partnerships will highly strengthen our own efforts to support the government’s aim by opening the doors for arts and antiques enthusiast here in the region and abroad.

The Abu Dhabi  International Fine Art & Antiques Fair is presented in Association with Etihad Airways and Millionaire Magazine

Local contact:

Habib Bacha
Credo / Gavin Anderson Abu Dhabi
Tel.: +97150 731 9733
habib@credo-ga.com

Fran Foster
Fair Director
Turret Middle East
Tel: +44 (0) 7971 839428
f.foster@turretme.com

Sarita Lakhiani
Turret Middle East
Tel: +9712 444 6011 
s.lakhiani@turretme.com

International press contact

Duncan Philips
+44 1460 432090
duncanphilips@btinternet.com

About Turret Middle East

Turret Middle East is a leading organizer of conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa region. Turret Middle East is a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, and is located on site at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Turret has organized and managed some of the region’s biggest events, including ADIPEC and Gastech, drawing in record numbers of exhibitors, visitors, delegates, and expert speakers. Our events have enjoyed the sponsorship, support, and patronage of the region’s government departments, public and private sector companies, as well as the media.

The expertise that drives Turret Middle East is made up of industry professionals from around the world, with proven experience across all the disciplines required for the creation of a successful event, supported by a select range of professional service providers. Most exhibitor services are done in-house, giving Turret the unique advantage of being able to support exhibitors with extensive services on location.

For more information on Turret visit: www.turretme.com