Haughton International Fairs partners with DTCM on 'Art Antiques Design Dubai'

For 2009, Haughton International Fairs have rebranded the top flight event as 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' which is scheduled to run from 18 - 23 February 2009.

"The overwhelming success of the inaugural fair reaffirms the growing interest and sophistication across the region to collect and study fine art and antiques," said Brian Haughton, of Haughton International Fairs.

In recent years, regional art collectors have expanded collections to include fine art and antiques from international artists and exhibitors in addition to embracing a new generation of Middle Eastern contemporary art work.

Mr. Haughton went on to add: There is market demand in the GCC for unconventional styles of art, including antique furniture and jewellery, abstract design pieces, cultural symbols and maps. Keeping this market in mind, we decided to place stronger emphasis on the design element for the second fair."

The Department of Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has taken several initiatives to encourage the growth of art and culture and has successfully positioned Dubai as a centre for art to flourish in the region.

"We believe the fair will have a strong role in expanding and encouraging higher standards of art in the region," said Giles Haughton, event director of the fair. "We envision Dubai to develop into a key destination on the global art map."

Set to showcase artworks from different eras, collecting categories expected at 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' will include Islamic works of art; arms and armor; silver; antique and modern jewellery; a broad range of furniture and decorative arts; and fine art, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Western paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

International art dealers will be joined by specialists from the Middle East, North African and India, according to Giles Haughton.

Art critics have credited the Haughtons with an ability to discover new markets for art to flourish - likewise international dealers and exhibitors already know the Haughtons reputation for producing top-class events in the United States, United Kingdom and in the East.

"We are happy to welcome back several exhibitors who participated at the inaugural fair and look forward to introducing several new leading exhibitors to the region," finished Haughton.