Abu Dhabi to host landmark Sotheby’s auctions, featuring rare jewellery, cars, and art

Sotheby’s, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), has announced an exclusive programme of auctions, specialized workshops, panel discussions and exhibitions, all taking place in the capital.

The packed schedule of events and experiences will begin in September, with the first auction taking place in October during the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ).

The event will culminate in Abu Dhabi Collectors Week from December 2-5, a series of auctions featuring fine jewelry, rare timepieces, world-leading classic cars and exclusive and distinguished real estates from RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Concierge, along with a museum-quality international art fair showcasing some of the finest international fine art from ancient and contemporary masters.

The week’s offerings take place against the backdrop of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort during one of the region’s busiest and most dynamic weeks, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit 2025, Abu Dhabi Finance Week and Bitcoin MENA. Organized by Sotheby's, the event is expected to attract a truly global audience of tastemakers, thought leaders and collectors.

Prior to the opening in Abu Dhabi, the most prominent pieces on display will be transported to Sotheby’s global centres for display to international collectors.

 “This unpre“Over the years, we have made tremendous strides to cement our position as a leading global hub for luxury collectibles,” said Josh Pullan, Head of the Global Luxury Division at Sotheby's.

cedented series of auctions as well as all the events leading up to it will showcase the very best of Sotheby’s. We are delighted to announce that the auction week will feature a private collection of a single owner, brimming with the finest jewelry and watches, alongside unparalleled automobiles. Given that the Middle East, and the UAE in particular, is one of the most active regions for the luxury collectibles sector, we could not have chosen a better location for this event than Abu Dhabi,” he added.

As excitement builds ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this year, RM Sotheby's is set to celebrate the occasion with a landmark collaboration with McLaren Racing, offering three futuristic race cars that will represent the iconic team's racing portfolio.

The cars will be auctioned on December 5 during the final Formula 1 race of the season, providing enthusiastic collectors with a unique opportunity to put themselves at the heart of the team’s racing efforts.

The other highlight of Abu Dhabi Collectors Week will be a historic single-owner auction, showcasing a remarkable collection of jewelry and watches meticulously assembled over four decades.

This collection includes rare diamonds and precious gemstones, along with an exceptional selection of antique and contemporary jewelry signed by renowned jewelers, as well as important antique and modern watches. The collection is estimated to fetch over $20 million, making it one of the most distinguished collections on the market in decades.

Among the highlights is the rare and highly significant Rolex Oyster Albino Daytona. One of only a handful of these watches known, it was made between the late 1960s and early 1970s.

This exceptional watch has recently resurfaced and is estimated to fetch between $500,000 and $1 million.