Female Saudi artist and designer to debut artworks at'Art Antiques Design Dubai

On 19 February, the fair will be open only to ladies from 11am - 6pm in an effort to encourage the growing interest to collect and create top quality art from women across the region.

"Growing numbers of women across the GCC are showing a strong indication to pursue careers in art and build up private art and antiques collections,"

said Anna Haughton, co-organiser of 'Art Antiques Design Dubai'.

A tribute to the fair's growing recognition and value across the Middle East, female artist and designer Adilah Bundakji will make her debut at the fair with a new style of art that is inspired by Quranic verses and text and motivated by the Kiswah that shrouds the holy Kaaba in Makkah.

Organisers of 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' believe the participation of Bundakji Contemporary Islamic Art is an excellent step forward in promoting GCC women to take up a larger role and interest in collecting and designing quality art.

"We are keen to encourage this growing awareness in art and antiques among women," commented Ms. Muna bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club. "The growing inclusion of art into community lifestyle and even career choices are clear indicatives of the maturing interest among women in this field."

A highlight piece from Adilah's collection is the 'Ayat', cloth embroidered with copper and metallic silken thread that is treated in the very same style and colour as on the 'Kiswah', that ordains the Holy Kabbah in Makkah.

'Art Antiques Design Dubai' is held with the support and cooperation of Dubai Department of Commerce and Tourism, which is keen to encourage the growth of art and culture in the region generally and has enthusiastically supported the fair.

The fair showcases artworks from different eras, with collecting categories at 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' including Islamic works of art; silver; antique and modern jewellery; a broad range of furniture and decorative arts; and fine art, including Middle Eastern, Orientalist and European paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

Art critics have credited Haughton International Fairs with an ability to encourage higher levels of art appreciation in burgeoning markets, as is also recognized by the many leading international dealers participating in this year's fair."We are happy to welcome back many exhibitors who participated at the inaugural fair with many of them acknowledging that women formed their key clientele at the inaugural fair," finished Anna Haughton.