Sotheby’s Middle Eastern Art Week previews treasures from Islamic history for the upcoming Islamic auction in Dubai, featuring rare artefacts and modern works

Dubai is currently home to a stunning preview of Islamic art and modern works, as Sotheby’s hosts a curated exhibition ahead of its upcoming autumn auctions. The renowned auction house is offering a glimpse into its “Arts of the Islamic World and India” and “Modern and Contemporary Middle East” sales, which will take place in London later this month. The exhibition is not only a celebration of artistic expression, but also an opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to witness the diverse artistic heritage of the Arab world.

Among the standout items is an untitled painting by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem, one of the Kingdom’s most influential modern figures. His work, which blends traditional and modernist aesthetics, is expected to fetch as much as £100,000 at auction. Known for integrating geometric forms with the natural landscape, Al-Saleem represents a generation of Saudi artists seeking to balance the country’s artistic traditions with contemporary influences.

One of the historical highlights is an 8th-century Umayyad bronze buck, a rare and remarkable animal sculpture, expected to draw bids up to £3 million. Described by Sotheby’s as one of the finest examples from the Umayyad and early Abbasid period, this piece captures the elegance of ancient Islamic craftsmanship. The sculpture’s fine detailing, especially in the articulation of the animal’s legs and chest, has led experts to describe it as an important addition to the understanding of early Islamic figurative sculpture.

A rare leaf from an Arabic translation of Pedanius Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, originally written in the 1st century CE, is another star of the auction. This 13th-century manuscript, rich in both medical knowledge and intricate illustrations, bridges Byzantine and Persian artistic traditions. It highlights the intellectual and artistic exchanges between Europe and the Arab world during the medieval period. The text was pivotal in shaping both medical practices and manuscript illumination in the Islamic world, with this particular leaf illustrating the detailed artistry of Baghdad’s School of Miniatures.

Also on display is a powerful work by Lebanese artist Ayman Baalbaki, titled 7ay Jober, created in 2014. Baalbaki’s art often explores the devastation of war, and this piece focuses on the Syrian conflict. Through expressive brushwork and layered textures, Baalbaki communicates the ongoing struggles in the region. His ability to portray both the human cost of war and the destruction of urban spaces has cemented his position as one of Lebanon’s leading contemporary artists. This evocative work will also be up for auction, drawing interest from collectors of politically charged art.

Another gem in the auction is an illuminated Qur’an copied by renowned calligrapher Ya’qut Al-Musta’simi in 1275-76 CE. Al-Musta’simi is considered one of the greatest Islamic calligraphers, with this Qur’an being one of the few surviving examples of his work not housed in a major museum. The manuscript, written in the elegant naskh script, is expected to sell for between £600,000 and £800,000. For collectors, it offers a rare chance to own a piece of Islamic calligraphic history that has been sought after for over 700 years.

A set of 12 iridescent pottery dishes from Abbasid Iraq, created in the 9th or 10th century CE, is another historic highlight. These lusterware pieces, famed for their shimmering surface, showcase the sophisticated techniques developed by Abbasid potters, who sought to mimic the shine of gold. The bowls feature intricate designs, from animal motifs to abstract patterns, displaying the artistry of Islamic ceramicists from that period.

Sotheby’s exhibition in Dubai offers a unique window into the rich history of Islamic art and its continuing influence on contemporary artists. The inclusion of modern works alongside centuries-old artefacts demonstrates how the artistic traditions of the Arab world have evolved while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots. With its commitment to preserving and showcasing this heritage, Sotheby’s has made Dubai the epicentre of art from the Middle East ahead of its highly anticipated autumn auctions.