DIFC gallery opens at Sotheby’s with free access to art and collectibles
Sotheby’s opened its new DIFC gallery on October 28, 2026, in Gate Village, with free admission to its opening exhibition. According to What's On Dubai, visitors can view contemporary artworks, luxury accessories and a vintage Formula 1 car.
Key facts
What: Sotheby’s new gallery and opening exhibition
Where: Unit 3, Podium Level, Building 10, Gate Village, DIFC
Opening date: October 28, 2026
Visiting hours: Weekdays, 10am to 7pm
Entry: Free for the opening exhibition
What art is on display?
The opening exhibition features works belonging to Elie Khouri, an art collector based in Dubai. Visitors can see pieces by Alighiero Boetti and Stanley Whitney, alongside work by Amoako Boafo. George Condo and Günther Förg are also represented in the exhibition.
The gallery’s launch marks ten years since Sotheby’s established its permanent UAE presence. Its displays bring contemporary art together with collectible vehicles, watches, jewellery and handbags, giving visitors several different collections to explore in one space.
Which watches, jewellery and handbags can visitors see?
Three Patek Philippe watches, a historic Cartier necklace and Hermès handbags are among the luxury pieces on display.
The watches include a platinum chronograph made for left-handed wearers, a stainless-steel piece produced in limited numbers and a watch commemorating Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary.
The Cartier necklace dates to 1939 and combines diamonds with Burmese rubies. Visitors can also learn about Sotheby’s Bespoke service, through which clients commission personalised jewellery using gemstones such as a nine-carat Old Mine Golconda diamond.
The handbag selection includes the Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya. For related reading beyond the exhibition, see our guide to luxury shopping in Dubai.
What is the Formula 1 car’s history?
The motorsport display features a Surtees TS9B from 1971, available through private sale. John Surtees and Mike Hailwood drove the car, which placed second at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix of 1972.
Its engine is a Ford-Cosworth V8. Alongside the racing car, visitors can see a limited-edition Colnago bicycle developed with Ferrari to mark the manufacturer’s 60th anniversary.
Readers interested in more automotive displays can explore our Dubai Classic Car Collection guide.
What does this mean for visitors?
Visitors can plan a free weekday gallery stop between 10am and 7pm. Use the full address when arranging your journey: Building 10 in Gate Village, then Podium Level, Unit 3.
The published details do not give an exhibition closing date or weekend visiting hours, so check the current arrangements before setting out. Free admission applies to the opening exhibition; no purchase prices are provided for the collectibles.
For a separate sightseeing activity, you can also review the Dubai Iconic Places Tour when organising your itinerary.
Details can change; check the official announcement before you travel.
Prepared by Yasin Toktaş with AI assistance for drafting, corrections and proofreading.