A Historic Debut on Saadiyat Island
For the first time in its storied history, Sotheby’s is bringing the world of high-stakes auctions to Abu Dhabi. The debut marks a significant cultural moment for the emirate, one that underscores its growing stature as a global center for art, luxury, and investment. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the auction house has curated a program designed not only to attract international collectors but also to foster a deeper cultural dialogue. Beyond the bidding floor, visitors can expect masterclasses, panel discussions, and exhibitions, transforming the event into a celebration of knowledge and taste.
The choice of venue adds to the sense of occasion. Nestled along pristine waters, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers a setting where elegance meets spectacle. With its sweeping vistas and architectural grace, it becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes part of the narrative. By situating the auction here, Sotheby’s is aligning itself with Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions to position the capital as a crossroads of global culture while preserving the intimacy of a curated, high-profile gathering.
The timing of the auction is no less symbolic. Scheduled for early December, it coincides with one of the city’s busiest weeks, when global leaders, investors, and enthusiasts converge for a lineup of major events. From the Formula One Grand Prix to Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Milken Institute Summit, the city pulses with energy. Into this dynamic mix, Sotheby’s introduces its own spectacle, a carefully orchestrated entry that resonates with both ambition and elegance.
Jewels of Rare Provenance
While the auction features remarkable engineering feats in the form of rare automobiles, its crown jewel is undeniably The Desert Rose, a 31.86-carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond. Pear-shaped and radiant, it stands as the largest of its kind ever graded, a gem that captures both geological rarity and aesthetic wonder. Estimated to sell for between $5 million and $7 million, the stone symbolizes the marriage of natural beauty and human craftsmanship. Its inclusion elevates the event from an auction to a cultural statement, placing Abu Dhabi at the center of the international jewelry stage.
The Desert Rose is part of a single-owner collection valued at $20 million, encompassing pieces that reflect both precision and rarity. Among them is the Rolex “Oyster Albino” Daytona, one of the most elusive models in horological history, with an estimate ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Watches and jewels of this caliber carry with them not just material worth but also narratives of heritage, artistry, and exclusivity, qualities that resonate deeply with seasoned collectors.
The allure of this collection is not confined to its monetary value. Each piece carries with it an aura of connoisseurship, appealing to those who see collecting as both a personal passion and a cultural investment. In curating such treasures for Abu Dhabi, Sotheby’s underscores its ability to unite markets, tastes, and histories under one roof. For the emirate, it is a moment that highlights its evolution from a regional hub to an international destination for refined luxury.
Supercars and the Spirit of Competition
Complementing the brilliance of diamonds are machines of a very different but equally compelling artistry. Sotheby’s is offering a rare trio of future competition cars: the 2026 McLaren Formula 1 car, the 2027 McLaren United Autosport racer, and the 2026 Arrow McLaren IndyCar. Together, they embody the forward-looking spirit of motorsport, bringing to the auction not only vehicles but symbols of speed, innovation, and global prestige. Their presence aligns seamlessly with the timing of the season-ending Formula One race in Abu Dhabi, ensuring resonance with both collectors and racing enthusiasts.
The roster extends beyond prototypes to include modern legends of automotive design. Chief among them is the 2017 Pagani Zonda 760 Riviera, a bespoke creation estimated between $9.5 and $10.5 million. Alongside it sits the 2010 Aston Martin One-77, a car of sculptural proportions and engineering prowess, valued at $1.3 to $1.6 million. These automobiles embody more than horsepower and performance; they represent human ingenuity in motion, mechanical marvels designed as much for admiration as for acceleration.
For Sotheby’s, the integration of automobiles into a program traditionally dominated by fine art and jewelry is more than a curatorial choice. It is a recognition of shifting collector appetites. In a world where rarity, provenance, and performance converge to define value, supercars hold a place alongside jewels and timepieces. In Abu Dhabi, a city where modern ambition meets deep-rooted tradition, this balance feels especially fitting. The auction is not only a debut but a reflection of the city’s identity: a blend of art, affluence, and aspiration.