SOTHEBY’S AND THE ABU DHABI INVESTMENT OFFICE UNVEIL $100 MILLION OF COLOURED DIAMONDS IN A LANDMARK LAUNCH IN ABU DHABI

Featuring The Most Sought-After Shades of the World’s Most Precious Jewel:

SOTHEBY’S AND THE ABU DHABI INVESTMENT OFFICE UNVEIL $100 MILLION OF COLOURED DIAMONDS IN A LANDMARK LAUNCH IN ABU DHABI

• Exhibition marks the worldwide debut of ‘The Mediterranean Blue’ diamond
• On view at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island until 10 April
• Sotheby’s first public exhibition in Abu Dhabi in over 15 years

Image Caption: ‘The Mediterranean Blue’ Diamond modelled by Sotheby’s Katia Nounou Boueiz in Abu Dhabi,
Ahead of Sotheby’s Auction in Geneva

“One of the most rewarding parts of what we do at Sotheby’s is bringing together treasures that have never been seen together and showcasing them to the public before they go on to the next chapter in their stories. An exhibition of this kind and scale on diamonds has never been staged before in the Middle East, and very rarely anywhere else in the world, so it is exciting to mark our first public exhibition in Abu Dhabi in recent years in such an illustrious way.”

Katia Nounou Boueiz, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman, Middle East & Head of Sotheby’s UAE

“The Middle East is one of the most dynamic drivers of the luxury industry globally, with an appreciation of jewellery that is steeped in centuries of heritage, design and craftsmanship. Over the years, we have travelled many of the most precious jewels we have handled to the UAE, reflecting the region’s demand for the best of the best. It is now an immense privilege for us to have been able to assemble such an extraordinary line up of diamonds – superlative in both colour and size – for the first time, and we hope that visitors here in Abu Dhabi will respond with wonder and awe.”
 Quig Bruning, Head of Jewels, Americas, Europe and Middle East

“This exquisite exhibition with Sotheby’s marks an exciting milestone in Abu Dhabi’s evolution as a global destination for art, culture, and luxury. By bringing this rare collection of precious gemstones to the capital, we are further enriching the work of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to enhance the emirate’s dynamic creative landscape and provide new opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts alike while solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier hub for culture, tourism and investment.”
Noora Al Foulathi, Abu Dhabi Investment Office

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 8 APRIL 2025 — Sotheby’s, together with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), today unveiled one of the most remarkable blue diamonds to emerge in recent years, displayed alongside an array of coloured diamonds in a spectacular showcase of nature’s most precious gemstone. This event marks Sotheby’s first public exhibition in Abu Dhabi since 2009.

Taking place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, an architectural marvel and non-profit organisation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, Sotheby’s exhibition features some of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds. This peerless treasure has enchanted and fascinated across the centuries as a timeless symbol of love, power and beauty.

At the heart of the collection is ‘The Mediterranean Blue,’ a supremely rare and exceptional Fancy Vivid Blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats. This unique gem will take centre-stage in Geneva during Sotheby’s sale of High Jewellery on 13 May, marking its market debut with an estimated value of $20 million.

Alongside ‘The Mediterranean Blue’ is an unparalleled collection of diamonds, many of which are available for private sale exclusively through Sotheby’s. Outside of perhaps the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., no institution has ever hosted such a prestigious array of diamonds. Included in the group are the largest flawless diamond in the world, the largest vivid orangey pink diamond ever graded, the second largest red diamond known to exist, and several diamonds over 100 carats. Diamonds, the world’s most prized gemstones, are beautifully represented in this once-in-a-lifetime assemblage, representing the apex of this natural wonder.

The exhibition is open to the public until 10 April, open from 10am to 8pm daily. For more information, or to sign up for a guided tour, visit www.sothebys.com/Beyond.

Image Caption: Inside Sotheby’s Diamonds Showcase in Abu Dhabi

Sotheby’s has a strong history of supporting the cultural ecosystem and its infrastructure in the Gulf, underpinned by a commitment to investing in educational outreach initiatives and diversifying cultural dialogue and awareness. From becoming the first auction house to bring an Old Master painting to the UAE, to launching a $140 million Picasso in the presence of the UAE Minister of Culture and presenting the world’s largest diamond, as well as collaborating with local galleries, fashion brands, jewellery designers and artists.

Full list of diamonds on view:

• The Mediterranean Blue: 10.03-carat cushion modified brilliant-cut Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond, VS2 clarity
• The Red Diamond: 5.05-carat square emerald-cut Fancy Brown-Red Diamond, SI1 clarity
• The Desert Rose: 31.68-carat pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond, VVS1 clarity
• The Golden Canary Necklace: 303.10-carat pear-shaped Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Diamond, Internally Flawless clarity
• The Ultimate Emerald Cut: 100.20-carat emerald-cut Diamond ring, D color, Internally Flawless clarity
• 102.60-carat round diamond, D color, VVS1 clarity
• 40.29 carat radiant-cut Fancy Light Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring, VS2 clarity
• Eighteen-karat White Gold Cartier necklace, accented with a 100.26-carat pear-shaped Fancy Deep Brown-Orange Diamond, I1 clarity

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

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* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

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About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on supporting tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.

About Bassam Freiha Art Foundation

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) is the first and only private art foundation on Saadiyat Island. Founded by philanthropist and art collector His Excellency Bassam Freiha, the non-profit institution opened in March 2024. Founded with the dual purpose of giving the public access to private art collections around the world and providing a platform to local and international artists, BFAF has three main exhibition spaces: The Main Gallery, the Annex Gallery, and the Sculpture Garden. Exhibitions across the art foundation are free to visit and are supported by an extensive cross-generational educational programme which includes art history evenings, panel discussions, workshops, lectures, artists talks and cultural events. BFAF also works closely with schools and universities, offering tailored programs to inspire and support young artists, future collectors, and cultural professionals, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with art.

In 2025, BFAF expanded its offerings with a new multi-functional community space, further reinforcing its commitment to art education and cultural exchange. This extension includes a café and is a dedicated space for workshops, artist seminars, and creative discussions, providing a vibrant hub for engagement and collaboration. Designed by A.D.D. Consultants, the space draws inspiration from His Excellency Bassam Freiha, and embodies his legacy of artistic vision, strength and timeless elegance.