Dubai is marking a significant cultural milestone in 2025 with the 20th anniversary of Christie's auction house within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This occasion was highlighted by a visit from Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to Christie's Dubai. Her tour of the "Robert F. Vatri and J. Ross Fais" exhibition, which features works slated for auction, underscored Dubai's growing prominence as a global center for the arts.
Sheikha Latifa emphasized Dubai's crucial role as a hub for innovation and a vital meeting point for cultural and artistic exchange. "Dubai has cemented its position as an artistic hub, and it is a fertile ground for creativity and cultural exchange, which provides opportunities for creative institutions like Christie's to develop and expand," she stated, reflecting on the city's development. Anthea Birks, Christie's President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, echoed this sentiment, welcoming Sheikha Latifa's "continuous support for artistic innovation in all its forms and aspects." Birks further described Dubai as a city "leading the artistic scene, and its dynamism continues in embracing change and directing public attention. It is a city that embraces a progressive vision and a future outlook that supports a diverse community."
Christie's established its presence in the DIFC in 2005, becoming one of the first international auction houses in the Middle East. Over the past two decades, the firm has been instrumental in enhancing Dubai's status as a global cultural center. Its inaugural auction in 2006 saw 80% of works acquired by Middle Eastern collectors, and it has since achieved significant milestones, including setting global records for regional artists. This growth aligns with substantial government investment in arts and culture across the UAE, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for both established and emerging talents. The UAE government has committed nearly $5.3 billion to arts and culture, significantly boosting the local art scene and expanding the region's global cultural footprint.
The anniversary year also coincides with intensified cultural activities in Dubai, including "Art Dubai 2025" and "Dubai Art Season 2025." These events highlight the Emirates' commitment to nurturing the cultural and artistic landscape domestically and internationally. Christie's has been a key contributor to this evolution, playing a leadership role in the Middle Eastern art market, at one point holding an estimated 70% market share for Middle Eastern art. The auction house has provided a platform for nearly 700 Middle Eastern artists, offering their works to a global audience and establishing over 400 auction records for regional artists. Christie's enduring presence in Dubai signifies a shared commitment to cultural enrichment and a recognition of Dubai's unique capacity to foster dialogue and creativity, promising to further illuminate the region's artistic heritage and its dynamic future on the world stage.