Sotheby’s recently launched an inaugural series of events that will culminate in a landmark calendar of sales during Collectors’ Week in early December.
Duccio Filippo Lopresto, Managing Director MENA for RM Sotheby’s
In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the week-long event marks a milestone moment, bringing together for the first time all of Sotheby’s major divisions, from fine art and jewellery to watches, design, and collector cars through RM Sotheby’s, the auction house’s world-leading platform for classic and high-value automobiles.
Collector’s Week is more than a series of auctions; it is set to be a cultural moment that reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising status as a hub where East meets West, uniting luxury, innovation, and heritage under one roof. Leading this vision is Duccio Filippo Lopresto, Managing Director MENA for RM Sotheby’s, Here, he shares how this landmark edition will not only shape the regional market but also connect Middle Eastern collectors to the world stage.
Sotheby’s is bringing Collector’s Week to Abu Dhabi. Can you share what makes this edition significant for collectors in the region?
This edition is particularly significant because it marks the first time Sotheby’s is bringing together all its major divisions — art, jewellery, watches, design and collector cars through RM Sotheby’s — under one roof in Abu Dhabi. It’s more than an auction; it’s a cultural moment that celebrates collecting in all its forms. For the Middle East, this is a milestone: Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global hub where East meets West, and we are excited to make it the stage for some of the world’s most extraordinary objects. What we’re building in Abu Dhabi goes far beyond a series of auctions; it’s the foundation of a new collecting ecosystem. A destination for luxury, art, elegance, and culture. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, we are reshaping the global world of collecting.
What highlights should collectors look forward to, and how do they reflect the tastes of Middle Eastern collectors?
Our highlights reflect both rarity and exclusivity, values that resonate deeply in the region. The standout pieces on the automotive side include our partnership with the McLaren Racing team. For the first time, we will be offering a slot to buy a modern-day Formula 1 cars together with a slot for the 2026 WEC and Indy cars, something truly exceptional! We are bringing a spectacular McLaren F1 car in white, the one-off Pagani Zonda Riviera, and an Aston Martin One-77. These cars embody innovation, performance, and design excellence, qualities Middle Eastern collectors look for. Beyond cars, the week will feature important works of art, rare watches, and exceptional jewellery, all curated with the sensibilities of regional collectors in mind.
How is the UAE shaping up as a hub for global collectors and cultural events?
The UAE has established itself as a crossroads of culture, finance, and luxury. Abu Dhabi’s institutions, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Team Labs Museum, Abrahamic Family House, and the upcoming Guggenheim, demonstrate the emirate’s long-term investment in culture. At the same time, Dubai’s dynamism has created a thriving scene for design, fashion, and contemporary art. Together, the UAE offers a unique blend of stability, accessibility, and global connectivity, which makes it an ideal hub for collectors worldwide. Also, the approach they have to collecting is very open and diverse, which makes this region a fundamental hub for the future global development of luxury brands. In general, collectors are quite young compared to the US or Europe and willing to experiment. This makes it a great location for art, luxury and collecting in general.
Sotheby’s RM has a reputation as one of the most prestigious platforms for classic and collector cars. How do you see interest in this category evolve within the region?
Interest in collector cars has grown rapidly here in recent years. Historically, the region has had a deep passion for performance and hypercars, but we are seeing a maturation of tastes: more collectors are turning toward classic cars, vintage models, and cars with cultural or historical importance. Younger collectors are increasingly entering the market, seeing cars not only as a passion but also as alternative assets. Events and clubs are playing a key role in shaping this ecosystem, and from this perspective, the region is growing rapidly. Brands such as Ferrari and Porsche have a strong presence here, with events like Cavallino Middle East and Icons of Porsche drawing thousands of collectors and enthusiasts. The Mille Miglia UAE Rally is also attracting some of the world’s leading collectors. Altogether, these initiatives bring fresh energy to the region and are helping to establish a strong culture of collecting. I personally have never seen Clubs that have such trusted followers as Flat 12, The Stables, Supercar Majlis or Group 63, for example. They are all car clubs that organise car rallies, cars and coffee events, and car meets every week, and you can’t believe how many collectors they are able to invite! They do it in a very open and inclusive way that everyone feels welcomed. This helps new collectors approach the scene and will help it grow radically.
Are there particular models or eras of cars that resonate most with collectors in the Middle East?
Yes — hypercars and limited-production supercars have always been highly sought after in the Middle East. Models from Pagani, Bugatti, Ferrari, and McLaren resonate strongly. We also see significant interest in rare 1990s and 2000s performance icons, which connect emotionally with the next generation of collectors. At the same time, certain historically important British marques, like Aston Martin, carry prestige here. That’s why highlights such as the Pagani Zonda Riviera and Aston Martin One-77 feel especially relevant to the market. From what I see, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche are the strongest brands out here. Also, youngtimer cars such as the Lancia Delta Integrale, BMW M3, and Ferrari Testarossa are surely appealing. Iconic cars from the ‘80s and 90s are something that the region appreciates more and more. Also, obviously, anything that is a 4×4 limited edition SUV will have an impact. What I found interesting, too, is that there is a lot of passion and enthusiasm for Japanese JDM cars.
How does Sotheby’s approach international consignors and buyers with the emerging pool of collectors in MENA?
Sotheby’s global network is one of our greatest strengths. We are uniquely positioned to bring consignments from Europe, North America, and Asia directly into the MENA market. At the same time, we cultivate relationships locally, building trust and knowledge with new collectors. Our role is to act as a bridge, introducing global consignors to serious buyers in the region, and helping Middle Eastern collectors access the finest cars and collectables worldwide. A good example of that is our December 2024 Dubai auction, where the top lot of our sale, a Pagani Zonda LM One Off, flew all the way from Europe to be sold again back to Europe! The UAE is becoming a hot hub for international collectors, and we have proved the point perfectly.
What global trends are you observing in the car resale market, and how are they influencing demand here?
Globally, we are seeing continued strength in rare, low-mileage, and limited-production cars, alongside growing demand for youngtimers — the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s icons. In general, collectors are becoming more and more informed and careful about what they buy. This is good because it makes our world more sophisticated and cultural. People now want cars that tick all the boxes: original, not crashed, low mileage, with a clear history of owners. Also, they are more and more interested in who owned it, what races did it participate in, if it was featured in a particular movie or show. Also, the rarer the car, the more attractive it will be. Social media has helped in this direction as it has created a platform for collectors to show off their vehicles. Very old cars, in general, are unfortunately becoming more difficult to sell, but for extremely good and rare examples, we don’t struggle to find buyers. These trends resonate in the Middle East, where the appetite for exclusivity and forward-looking design is very strong.
We’re seeing strong crossover between luxury, art, and automobiles. How is Sotheby’s embracing that intersection to appeal to next-generation collectors?
We see cars as moving pieces of art, and that’s why it makes sense to present them alongside fine art, design, and jewellery. Next-generation collectors don’t put boundaries between categories; they may be equally interested in a Basquiat, a Richard Mille, and a Pagani. Sotheby’s embraces this by curating experiences like Collector’s Week, where different worlds come together in one setting. This interdisciplinary approach is especially appealing in the Middle East, where collectors are deeply attuned to aesthetics and lifestyle.
With sustainability shaping industries everywhere, do you see it affecting the way collectors engage with classic and vintage cars?
Sustainability is absolutely influencing the industry, but collectors understand that vintage and classic cars are preserved as cultural artefacts, not as daily drivers. In fact, their rarity and careful preservation mean they have a relatively minimal environmental footprint compared to mass production. What we do see is a growing appreciation for timeless craftsmanship and durability — qualities that stand in contrast to disposable culture. Some collectors are also exploring conversions and innovations that allow classic cars to align with modern sustainability standards, but always with respect to their heritage.
How do you envision Sotheby’s role in growing collector culture in MENA over the next five years?
Our vision is to create a lasting ecosystem for collectors in the region. We want to help reshape the luxury and collector world globally, using the Middle East as a central hub for this vision. That means not only bringing world-class auctions to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but also investing in education, partnerships, and community building. We want to help first-time buyers grow into lifelong collectors, make the UAE a must-visit destination for global collectors, and give regional collectors a platform to showcase their collections to the world. In five years, I see Sotheby’s as a central catalyst for the growth of a vibrant collector culture in MENA. We are working closely with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in this direction, with the objective and vision to educate, grow and influence the next generation of collectors.
What advice would you give to first-time collectors in the region who are looking to enter the world of auctions?
My advice would be to start with passion, buy what you love, not only what you think will appreciate in value. Do your research, work with trusted advisors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Start by attending auctions, engaging with experts, and getting a feel for the market. And remember, collecting is a journey: the most rewarding collections are those that tell a personal story, not just those built for investment.
