DUBAI.- International art market history was made by the world's leading auction house Christie's tonight as a new platform on the world stage was launched. Christie's first international modern and contemporary art auction in the Middle East took place in Dubai and totalled $8,489,400 (AED 31,173,925). The sale saw 53 new artist records established as, in many cases, a wealth of new talent was showcased for the first time on the art market stage.

Offering over 120 works of art from the Arab world, Iran, India, Pakistan and the West, this was the first sale of its kind to take place in the region. Staged at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the stunning pre-sale exhibition was attended by hundreds of visitors over the three days of public viewing. The saleroom was crowded with over 500 clients, many new to the auction process.