Umm Kalthoum's necklace given by Zayed up for grabs

Dubai: A natural pearl necklace that belonged of Umm Kalthoum, most prominent cultural icon of modern Arab history will go under the hammer in Dubai in April.

It will be sold as part of the contemporary Jewels and Watches sale and is expected to fetch $80,000-120,000 (Dh293,600-Dh440,400) on April 29.

The necklace which is to be auctioned by Christie was gifted to Umm Kalthoum by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, is being sold by family descendents.

"She used to treat the pearl necklace with absolute care and it was one of her favourites because it was given to her by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE", remembers a family member of the late star.

On display

This magnificent necklace is expected to fetch in the region of $7 million.

The necklace will go on public exhibition in Christie's New York from April 11 to 14, 2008, and will be on public display in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai from 2pm on April 27 until 4.30pm on April 29.