Join us for an odyssey through time and culture as we celebrate the dynamic development of art patronage across the Middle East. Mai Eldib takes us through the evolution of art sponsorship throughout the region by delving into the remarkable trajectories of key patrons and visionaries – uncovering and understanding their bold risks and long-term strategies.

You'll learn how key individual patrons with visions led the way and paved course for the regional art institutions of today.

Founded in 1744, Sotheby's has established itself as a cornerstone of the global art market, celebrated for its expertise in curating and auctioning fine art, rare collectibles, and luxury items.

Beyond auctions, Sotheby's provides comprehensive advisory services, cultural programming and represents a crucial platform for the global art world. The auction house plays a multifaceted role in connecting individuals with art and culture, continually shaping and enriching the landscape of the art market.

A special thank you to artist and art teacher Yasmin Sinai, who worked alongside Sotheby’s to assemble the workshop.

Since joining Sotheby’s in 2008, Mai Eldib has made a significant mark in the art world. Initially working with Jewellery and 19th Century Paintings in New York, she specialized in Orientalist art before relocating to Cairo in 2010. As SVP and regional head of sales and advisory for the Middle East, Mai has extensively promoted Modern and Contemporary Arab and Iranian Art. She has been pivotal in achieving record-breaking sales for Egyptian Modernists and recently set new records for Saudi artists like Abduljabar Alyehia and Mohammed Al Saleem.