On Friday 5th and Saturday 6th November 2010, Magic of Persia presented their much anticipated Magical Nights weekend, which included an Exhibition of Auction Highlights and the Auction Gala to raise funds for Magic of Persia’s educational and art initiatives. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE, a long-standing supporter of the charity, inaugurated the exhibition at the DIFC, Dubai and attended the fundraising gala at the Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as keynote speaker. 

Celebrated contemporary Iranian artists donated artworks to the Magical Nights silent and live auctions. Artists included the winner of the 2008 Abraaj Capital Art Prize, Nazgol Ansarinia; the collector and artist, Fereydoun Ave; and world famous Shirin Neshat and Y. Z. Kami, among many others. Works by the artists participating in either the silent or live auctions were shown for two weeks prior to the closing date, giving buyers the opportunity to view the works before bidding.

The live auction was conducted by Christie’s, with all proceeds going towards funding the many projects set up by the Magic of Persia charity. These include scholarships, educational workshops and bursaries for young, aspiring Iranians within the creative fields of film and visual arts.

We were so grateful to be able to host such a spectacular event and would like to thank everybody who made the night possible.