Putting together an international art sale is a big undertaking, and for auction house Christie's Dubai it paid off in the millions. Here is a look at the preparations.
Hala Khayat is known as a specialist. Her expertise is in modern Arab, Iranian and Turkish art.
She's been pivotal in putting together the collection for the sale.
"We start travelling, in the beginning, for two months. We see works. We visit collectors. Then we start to catalogue," she told CNN.
“The cataloguing is basically measuring the piece. What size is it. What's the title. We like to double check if it was repainted. And usually under UV, if there was some painting it will glow a different colour a darker colour."
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Each piece known goes through the same process, with careful consideration to every detail. Specialists also help estimate bidding prices.
The catalogue is the main sales tool. It's handed out to prospective bidders a few weeks before the auction.
