{"id":21765,"date":"2025-04-15T10:42:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T10:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/21765\/"},"modified":"2025-04-15T10:42:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T10:42:15","slug":"10-up-and-coming-u-a-e-collectors-on-why-they-buy-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/21765\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Up-and-Coming U.A.E. Collectors on Why They Buy Art"},"content":{"rendered":"

Art Market<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Reena Devi<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Spanning seven states, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is witnessing rapid development in its domestic arts scene and has emerged as one of the art world\u2019s preeminent hubs. <\/p>\n

Its cultural infrastructure and packed calendar of events continue to grow and develop, with highly anticipated openings of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum among the upcoming developments. <\/p>\n

In February, the internationally acclaimed Sharjah Biennial<\/a> opened its 16th edition with an exciting lineup of renowned artists, including Arthur Jafa<\/a>, C\u00e9cile B. Evans<\/a>, and Monira Al Qadiri<\/a>. This week, another highly anticipated global flagship art event in the region, Art Dubai, will launch its 18th edition at Madinat Jumeirah, hosting more than 120 galleries from over 40 countries. <\/p>\n

The U.A.E. has witnessed rapid transformation in the past 50 years, with many who live there today speaking multiple languages, working towards advancing their respective fields, and travelling the world. The Emirates also has diverse local and expatriate communities who call its various cities home, as exemplified by its myriad young art patrons and collectors.<\/p>\n

Artsy spoke with 10 collectors based in the U.A.E. about their approaches to purchasing art. <\/p>\n

Ranging from a doctor, to an NFT collector, to a supper club chef, those included here represent a growing and thriving diversity that is becoming a core facet of the U.A.E.\u2019s identity. <\/p>\n

Maryam Al FalasiFounder, Iris Projects<\/a>\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Portrait of Maryam Al Falasi. Photo by Daryll Borja. Courtesty of Maryam Al Falasi. <\/p>\n

Juma Al Haj, Untitled. Courtesy of Maryam Al Falasi. <\/p>\n

Maryam Al Falasi, currently in her mid-20s, started collecting when she turned 16. \u201cGrowing up, my mother would take me to museums instead of theme parks during holidays abroad, and being exposed to art at such a young age sowed a seed that has never left,\u201d she told Artsy. <\/p>\n

Over the years, Al Falasi has endeavoured to build and maintain a comprehensive repository and visual witness of the art scene within the U.A.E. and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries from the 1950s until today. Her collection includes works by Emirati artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim<\/a>, Saudi painter Fahad Hajailan, and others. <\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a young collector gives me the opportunity to grow alongside the artists of our time, building a collection that not only reflects our contemporary moment but also contributes to a thriving regional art ecosystem,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Through Iris Projects<\/a>, a contemporary art gallery and arts agency she founded based in Abu Dhabi, Al Falasi also represents leading regional artists, manages multiple art and cultural projects throughout the U.A.E., and advises other collectors. <\/p>\n

Dr Aarti JaveriDirector, Sustain Health <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Aarti Javeri and family. Courtesy of Aarti Javeri. <\/p>\n

Javeri, a renowned<\/a> internal medicine specialist in Dubai and a spokesperson for the World Health Organization, is also an avid art collector. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband and I began collecting art in 2021 as part of a broader vision to build a collection that could be passed down to our children,\u201d Javeri told Artsy. \u201cWhat started as a deliberate effort has since evolved organically, with each family member developing their own unique connection to different pieces, sparking rich and engaging conversations at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s collecting journey began at Nino Mier<\/a> in Brussels. Thanks to additional guidance of Carbon 12<\/a> and Galerie Max Hetzler<\/a>, they have been able to add depth and dimension to their envisioned family collection, shaping it into something truly meaningful, with works by Andr\u00e9 Butzer<\/a>, Olaf Breuning<\/a>, Cindy Phenix<\/a>, among others. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur collection is defined by themes of comedy, playfulness, and light-heartedness\u2014reflecting the lively energy of our home with the twins and our youngest son,\u201d Javeri said. \u201cAt its core, it is a celebration of self-discovery, a value we deeply embrace as a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salvatore LavalloManaging director, Apeiron Investment Group <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Salvatore Lavallo with works by Musab Al Rais. Courtesy of Salvatore Lavallo. <\/p>\n

Salvatore Lavallo, a former head of foreign direct investment at Abu Dhabi Investment Office, has lived in the U.A.E. for almost 14 years, and he has \u201calways been surrounded by close friends who are artists, gallerists, and curators.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cMy career in investments is grounded in structure and logic, so art has become a kind of necessary counterpart\u2014a creative, emotional escape,\u201d he told Artsy. <\/p>\n

Lavallo\u2019s collection comprises more than 125 works, with a geographical focus on the U.A.E. and Tanzania\u2014the two countries he has called home since 2011.<\/p>\n

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Undare Mtaki, Maji ya Uzima, 2024. Courtesy of Salvatore Lavallo. <\/p>\n

Reflecting the evolving artistic landscapes of each nation, the collection includes works by influential figures such as Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim<\/a>, Abdul Qader Al Rais<\/a>, Mohammed Kazem<\/a>, Edward Saidi Tingatinga<\/a>, Sam Joseph Ntiro, and George Lilanga<\/a>. Also present in his collection is a new generation of emerging artists with whom he has cultivated close personal relationships, including Undare Mtaki, Tura Gyindo, Almaha Jaralla<\/a>, Afra Al Dhaheri<\/a>, and Hashel Al Lamki<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to collect not just based on personal preference, but with an eye toward what feels historically and culturally significant,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m conscious of the broader narrative the collection might someday tell [about] Tanzania and the U.AE to wider audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekaterina PlastininaAssociate director, Green Art Gallery <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Ekaterina Plastinia with works by Kaimurai. Courtesy of Ekaterina Plastinina. <\/p>\n

Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai, Untitled, 2023. Courtesy of Ekatinera Plastinina. <\/p>\n

A dedicated patron of young artists, Ekaterina Plastinina founded the patron circle for Bayt Al Mamzar,<\/a> a family home that evolved into an independent art space which provides support to early career artists.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving lived in the U.A.E. for the past decade\u2014a country defined by its crossroads of cultures and nationalities\u2014my collection has been shaped by the unique intersection of South Asia and the Middle East,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Plastinina\u2019s collection features works from both established and up-and-coming artists, including Fatma Al Ali<\/a>, Asma Belhamar, and Afra Al Dhaheri<\/a>, as well as contributions from Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai<\/a>, Youdhisthir Maharjan<\/a>, and Satyanarayana Gavara<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy primary focus lies in exploring themes of architecture, history, and the erasure of collective memories through the passage of time and the forces of separation,\u201d she noted of her approach. <\/p>\n

Plastinina is specifically drawn to works that \u201cconvey their message through subtlety and minimalism\u2014pieces that do not scream, but rather whisper. These are the kinds of works that invite you to pause and reflect, offering new insights each time you engage with them, constantly sparking curiosity and thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margo CastroCollector and curator, Pinkum Collection <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Margo Castro. Photo by Daron Bandeira. Courtesy of Margo Castro. <\/p>\n

Bibi Lei, installation view from the Pinkum Collection at Koncrete, 2025. Photo by Jamill Dell. Courtesy of Margo Castro. <\/p>\n

Margo Castro\u2019s first art acquisition was a Non-Fungible Token <\/a>(NFT) artwork by Refik Anadol<\/a>: \u201cI still cherish this piece, Quantum Memories (2021), as part of my digital art collection,\u201d she noted. <\/p>\n

She and her husband, Jordan Castro, co-founder of entertainment & NFT brand Doodles, began buying art together when they got married.<\/p>\n

Featured in Architectural Digest Middle East<\/a>, the Castros\u2019 home in Dubai is filled with artworks by the likes of Iranian-born painter Maryam Lamei<\/a> and Portuguese Chinese artist Bibi Lei<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s self-titled Pinkum Collection \u201cinitially centered on figuration and vibrant colors. Since relocating to the U.A.E., we’ve shifted our focus toward local and regional artists,\u201d according to Castro. <\/p>\n

\u201cI am determined to discover the Middle East for myself creatively and intellectually. I’ve traveled to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to meet up with local collectors and artists, and I’ve also visited local collectors in the UAE to understand their tastes and approaches,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus remains on emerging artists\u2014there’s something special about collecting works from artists of our own generation,\u201d Castro added. <\/p>\n

Nadine KhouryCurator and founder, Nasij Art Advisory <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Nadine Khoury. Courtesy of Nadine Khoury. <\/p>\n

Tayseer Barakat, Behind the Wall #2, 2018. Courtesy of Nadine Khoury. <\/p>\n

Nadine Khoury, who has roots in Palestine and Syria, founded Nasij Art Advisory and the Young Collectors Circle in Dubai. She has moved around the Gulf and America extensively, buying her very first work at NADA Miami in 2013 during a field study visit while pursuing her master\u2019s at Sotheby\u2019s Institute of Art in New York.<\/p>\n

The young millennial\u2019s collection is centered around Arab art, with a particular focus on Palestinian artists. <\/p>\n

While each piece holds deep significance, Khoury is \u201cparticularly proud of my most recent acquisition from Abu Dhabi Art, purchased from Gallery One<\/a>, Ramallah\u2014a work by Emily Fanous Azzar<\/a>, a true treasure in modernist, Palestinian Art.\u201d<\/p>\n

Khoury feels a strong sense of responsibility to keep the dialogue around Arab art ongoing, using her collection as a means to educate those around her as well as future generations. \u201cI hope it contributes to making art more accessible beyond institutional spaces, fostering cultural dialogue, preserving artistic heritage, and ensuring that diverse identities remain visible and celebrated,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Nour Moufarrej PR professional <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Nour Moufarrej. Courtesy of Nour Moufarrej. <\/p>\n

Suzi Nassif, Duality, 2014. Courtesy of Nour Moufarrej. <\/p>\n

Dubai-based PR professional Nour Moufarrej\u2019s first artwork was passed down to her from her grandfather\u2014a painting by Armenian Lebanese artist Paul Guiragossian<\/a> from the 1970s. <\/p>\n

Since then, the 27-year-old has been avidly acquiring art, paying close attention to detail, technique, and the artist\u2019s background and vision. <\/p>\n

\u201cI started collecting by initially acquiring a wide variety of exclusive collectibles,\u201d Moufarrej told Artsy. \u201cOver time, my taste evolved, and I shifted towards acquiring contemporary paintings, gradually curating a refined and diverse collection that reflects my growing passion for art.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her collection currently includes works by artists whom she deeply admires, including Indian artist Keerthana S Kumar<\/a> and renowned Lebanese artist Suzi Fadel Nassif<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cI believe in embracing diverse artistic styles and cultures, which is especially important in today\u2019s globalized world,\u201d she told Artsy.<\/p>\n

Amer Madhoun Founder and head of creative, Collectus Studio <\/p>\n

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Portrait of Amer Madoun. Photo by Rami Mansour. Courtesy of Amer Madoun. <\/p>\n

Sabir Abro, Between the bricks III, 2025. Courtesy of Amer Madoun.<\/p>\n

An architect and designer who founded his own company, Collectus Studio, Amer Madhoun started to actively budget and work towards finding pieces that resonated with him in 2024. <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw a piece by an amazing Filipino artist Joar Songcuya<\/a>, at the Jameel Art Center during their exhibition titled \u2018Edge of Land.\u2019 The themes, colors, and mediums resonated with me,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is also a vivid nature to his representation with an almost primitive rendering that I enjoyed and that triggered me to contact the artist for a commission in order for it to be the first proper art acquisition,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Madhoun intends to focus more on buying works by artists from the MENA region, as he wants to prioritize art that speaks to similar experiences he has had as a Palestinian and Lebanese person born and raised in the U.A.E. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the future, I would like to focus on collecting pieces from some of my personal favorites like Khaled Zaki<\/a> and Paul Guiragossian, sort of iconic pieces that helped introduce me to artistic practices many years ago,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Siddharth Javeri Diamantaire<\/p>\n

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Portrait of Siddarth Javeri. Courtesy of Siddarth Javeri. <\/p>\n

Amir Khojasteh, Sad Fighter #1, 2020. Courtesy of Siddarth Javeri. <\/p>\n

Siddharth Javeri\u2019s art collecting journey began at Art Dubai 2021 when he first purchased an artwork by Irakli Bugiani. <\/p>\n

Like his sister, the aforementioned Dr. Aarti Javeri, Siddharth turned to one of the mainstay galleries in Dubai, Carbon 12, for help to navigate the \u201clabyrinth\u201d of the art market as he was \u201ca bit lost and overwhelmed with the choices available.\u201d <\/p>\n

Most of the works he buys are paintings focusing on sociopolitical issues and the shared human struggles faced by society. One such artist featured in his collection is Amir Khojasteh<\/a>.\u201cI\u2019m quite excited to see how Khojasteh\u2019s practice transforms now that he\u2019s moved out of Iran and he\u2019s currently in Belgium, where I\u2019m coincidentally from,\u201d he observed. <\/p>\n

\u201cI see my collection as an extension of myself, reflecting not only my personal perspectives, but also the prevailing views of my time. To me, art and collecting serve as a snapshot of diverse viewpoints at any moment,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n

Judy Karkour Chef and founder, \u014dd\u0113<\/p>\n

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Portrait of Judy Karkour. Courtesy of Judy Karkour. <\/p>\n

Ahmad Kasha, Untitled. Courtesy of Judy Karkour. <\/p>\n

Chef and founder of one of Dubai\u2019s prominent supper club, \u014dd\u0113, Judy Karkour purchased her first unique piece while interning at Art Dubai in 2019\u2014a work by Turkish artist Ramazan Can<\/a> from his \u201cCupboard\/Attic\u201d series, paying homage to Y\u00f6r\u00fcks, a tribe from Turkey. <\/p>\n

\u201cI firstly try to immerse myself in the artist\u2019s practice to understand the conceptual background, seeing it grow and develop. Secondly, I have to visually connect with the work to purchase it,\u201d Karkour said. <\/p>\n

The 30-year-old shared that her vision for her collecting practice involves focusing on emerging artists and getting to know them directly through their practices. <\/p>\n

An artist whom Karkour is very excited about is Palestinian artist Khaled Jarada: \u201cI have a paper work by the artist from his first solo exhibition, \u2018Non Key Frame,\u2019 that I had worked on directly. The work is a pastel sketch for a larger canvas work that I loved but didn’t have space for, so I opted for the smaller version.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Art Market Reena Devi Spanning seven states, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is witnessing rapid development in its…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21766,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3939],"tags":[4021,4020,14026,4022,77,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-21765","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-collector-profiles","11":"tag-design","12":"tag-entertainment","13":"tag-uk","14":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114341566667738266","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21765\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}