UAE Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais will be the patron of the region’s largest fine art and antiques fair.

Al Owais said the event, scheduled for February 2008, is critical for the long-term growth and sustainability of the UAE’s art and cultural development.

“It is my wish to support all activities and events which serve the growth and development of the UAE,” he said.

The country has been host to some of the finest international art events of premium quality, said the organisers of “Arts and Antiques Dubai.”

“We are honoured to have the encouragement and support of His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais,” said Brain Haughton of Haughton International Fairs. “Together with His Excellency’s patronage we wish to provide a platform in the Middle East for the international art community to present the highest caliber of art and antiques.”

Al Owais has been at the forefront enriching developments in the UAE’s cultural and art sector. Additionally Al-Owais is particularly known for his cultural interests, notably Arabic calligraphy, said the organisers in a statement.

With the advent of a world-class art and antiques fair in the region, dealers from the Middle East are taking this opportunity to exhibit regional Islamic art and antique treasures to an audience of international art connoisseurs. Arabic Art with its distinctive designs is one of the most widely collected arts and has always been of interest to a world wide audience of art lovers.

“The announcement of a major fair of this calibre in the region has received very encouraging feedback from well established art galleries and art patrons and we definitely anticipate a regional presence at the fair in February 2008,” said Haughton.

Judging by the range of internationally reputed galleries that have officially agreed to join “Arts & Antiques Dubai’ will have the finest in ceramics ranging from 18th century porcelain to oriental works of art, painted glass, historic silver and more on display to a broad spectrum of art lovers.

Haughton International Fairs has established themselves in the international art community as a global institution for fine arts and antiques fairs, having had more than a quarter century of experience with five spectacular annual art shows, the organisers said. – TradeArabia News Service