Art Dubai exemplified a wealth of diversity

Dubai: The curtain came down on the fifth edition of Art Dubai yesterday after four days of art related events and exhibitions.

Multinational guests were treated to up-to-the-minute creations of art that were all inspired by Middle Eastern culture. The event officially announced that Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, was appointed to the Honorary Board of Patrons for the international art fair.
 
Shaikha Manal is also the President of the Dubai Women's Establishment and President of the Dubai Ladies Club. Shaikha Manal inaugurates the ladies day of Art Dubai every year and immensely values art and artists.

During her recent visit to Art Dubai she said: "Since its inception five years ago, Art Dubai has successfully established itself as one of the world's most prestigious exhibitions of contemporary art. I am delighted with the multi-faceted programming organised that featured leading international artists and curators engaging with their peers as well as the public in artistic and cultural activities." She said hosting events such as Art Dubai serves to further solidify the UAE's position in this regard.

Shaikha Manal was accompanied by her daughter Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and her son Shaikh Mohammad Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a number of elite ladies from the UAE community. This year Art Dubai exemplified a wealth of diversity and authenticity. The exhibitors expressed delight with the financial outcome and felt encouraged to reserve space for the next edition.

According to Hungarian gallery Viltin directed by Gerebenics Tamas said: "This year we sold well and we are more than happy with the results and the meetings with the art collectors from different countries."

Emirati Mohammad Khalid, Managing Director of Dinwork Art, appreciated the efforts of the organisers of Art Dubai. "Art Dubai is presented wonderfully, and we are so proud of the achieved results."

Italian Erminia De Marco buys, collects and invests in Middle Eastern art, especially Emirati art. She said: "Indeed, I cherish the artwork of the Emirati artist Abdul Qader Al Rayes." Her husband Anthony D. Harris, CMG LVD Director and senior executive officer RFIB Middle East, said, "Dubai succeeded in presenting itself locally and internationally as an important art hub".