Explore a Special Art Exhibition at The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Looking for interesting things to do in Abu Dhabi this October? Add a unique cultural experience to your travel plans!
From October 28 to November 1, 2026, visitors can explore a special exhibition of Middle Eastern art at The Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel. The exhibition is organised by Christie’s, one of the world’s leading auction houses.
Titled MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art, the event celebrates 20 years of Christie’s in the UAE. It also highlights the rich artistic heritage of the Middle East and North Africa.
Whether you love art, enjoy history, or want to discover something different in Abu Dhabi, this exhibition is worth considering for your itinerary.
Discover Beautiful Middle Eastern Art
The exhibition will feature 70 artworks spanning nine decades. Each piece offers a glimpse into the region’s culture, history, and artistic traditions.
Visitors can explore paintings that reflect everyday life, royal history, architecture, and modern artistic styles.
Three notable highlights include:
Baghdad Café – A Glimpse into Iraqi Culture
Baghdad Café (The Coffee Shop) is a painting created in 2016 by Iraqi artist Faisel Laibi Sahi.
The artwork shows a lively Iraqi coffeehouse filled with scholars, merchants, workers, and storytellers. It captures the importance of coffeehouses as places for conversation and social interaction.
Inspired by Persian and Mughal miniature paintings, the artwork features rich details and brings traditional Iraqi life to the canvas.
The painting is estimated to sell for between $400,000 and $600,000.
Portrait of Princess Fadia – A Piece of Egyptian History
Another highlight is Portrait of Princess Fadia, painted in 1952 by Egyptian artist Mahmoud Saïd.
The painting depicts Princess Fadia, the youngest daughter of Egypt’s King Farouk. It was created shortly before the Egyptian Revolution ended the country’s monarchy.
With an estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000, the portrait combines artistic beauty with historical significance.
It offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about Egypt’s royal heritage through art.
Composition – An Abstract Work Inspired by Baghdad
Art lovers can also discover Composition, created between 1948 and 1949 by Turkish-Jordanian artist Fahrelnissa Zeid.
The painting is known for its bold geometric forms and vibrant colours. Its influences include Baghdad’s skyline, Islamic architecture, and Byzantine mosaics.
The artwork is estimated to sell for between $500,000 and $700,000.
Together, these three paintings showcase the diversity and creativity of Middle Eastern art.
Why Visit The Abu Dhabi EDITION?
The Abu Dhabi EDITION is a luxury hotel located in the Al Bateen Marina area. It is known for its modern design, elegant atmosphere, and waterfront setting.
The hotel provides an interesting setting for visitors who want to combine art and culture with a wider Abu Dhabi experience.
You can consider adding this exhibition to your travel plans if you are looking for:
- Cultural experiences: Discover the history and traditions of the Middle East.
- Art exhibitions: Explore works by recognised regional artists.
- Unique places to visit: Enjoy an experience beyond the usual tourist attractions.
- A day out with friends or family: Add a cultural stop to your Abu Dhabi itinerary.
- Luxury experiences: Visit one of the city’s well-known hospitality destinations.
Please check the exhibition’s visitor arrangements before travelling, as public access and opening hours may vary.
Christie’s Celebrates 20 Years in the UAE
The exhibition marks an important milestone for Christie’s. The auction house held its first sale in the UAE in 2006.
Since then, Christie’s has helped bring Middle Eastern art to international collectors and art enthusiasts.
The MAWASIM collection celebrates artists who have shaped the region’s modern art history. It also highlights contemporary artists who continue to develop new ideas and styles.
The word MAWASIM means “seasons” in Arabic. It represents the connection between the region’s artistic past and its changing creative future.
For visitors, the exhibition offers a chance to appreciate how art reflects the history, identity, and culture of the Middle East and North Africa.
Event Details: Christie’s Art Exhibition 2026
Planning to visit? Here are the important details to keep in mind.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art |
| Organiser | Christie’s |
| Venue | The Abu Dhabi EDITION |
| Location | Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Exhibition Dates | October 28 – November 1, 2026 |
| Live Auction | November 1, 2026, at 5 PM |
| Number of Artworks | 70 |
| Art Collection | Modern and contemporary Middle Eastern and North African art |
Before you visit: Check Christie’s official announcements for exhibition timings, visitor access, and registration requirements. The 5 PM time refers to the live auction, not necessarily the exhibition’s daily opening hours.
What Else Can You Do in Abu Dhabi?
Planning a trip around this exhibition? Make the most of your visit by exploring more of Abu Dhabi.
You could enjoy a waterfront walk, discover the city’s cultural attractions, visit a museum, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Abu Dhabi offers plenty of options for travellers, from historic landmarks and architectural attractions to shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities.
If you are travelling from Dubai or another emirate, plan your journey in advance so you have enough time to reach the venue.
Combining the exhibition with nearby attractions can help you enjoy a more complete day out in the UAE capital.
Is This Christie’s Art Exhibition 2026 Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy art, culture, and history, the MAWASIM exhibition is an interesting event to consider when planning things to do in Abu Dhabi in October and November 2026.
The collection brings together artworks inspired by Iraqi social life, Egyptian royal history, and the architecture of Baghdad.
You do not need to be an art expert to appreciate the stories behind these paintings. The exhibition offers a way to discover the region’s cultural heritage through the eyes of its artists.
For tourists and residents alike, it could be a memorable addition to an Abu Dhabi itinerary, subject to the exhibition’s visitor-access arrangements..
