The Middle East may not seem the obvious place to seek the rising stars of contemporary art. Yet works from the region has become increasingly sought after by collectors, with the “hottest things” including an Iranian painter in his 30s, a colonel in the Saudi army and a nonagenarian who was friends with Andy Warhol. In London today [21 July 2014], the auction house Sotheby’s unveiled a selection of the key works from Middle Eastern artists that will be auctioned in Doha in October. They will go on under the hammer alongside pieces by globally recognised artists including Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor.

Read More: Sotheby’s Unveils Key Works of Middle Eastern Art to Go on Sale in October

Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Doha auction achieved the strong total of $15,199,750, solidly between the pre-sale expectations of $11.1/16.1 million, establishing the highest price for an auction of Contemporary Art in the Middle East region. The sale was 89.1% sold by lot. Records were set for nine artists, including a record for a living Arab artist.

Read More: Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Doha Sale Achieves $15.2 Million

With Art Dubai wrapped up for another year, Christie’s auction house is preparing for its next sale of Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish art. The auctions will be held in Dubai April 16th and 17th, 2013. The second-day Part II sale – which offers work from more contemporary, emerging artists – will once again include pieces from $3,000.

Read More: Christie’s Auction in Dubai

Works by leading artists including Zenderoudi, Sepehri, Moshiri, Moudarres, Guiragossian, Kayyali and Essaydi will lead the Christie’s sale of Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish art to be held in Dubai on April 16th and 17th, 2013. The part II sale which offers work from more contemporary, emerging artists, will once again include pieces from $3,000.

Read More: Christie’s Contemporary Art Auction in Dubai

Art can be a catalyst for change by drawing attention to important issues in society and encouraging people to think deeply about what is happening around them. An exhibition organised by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) aims to use this power of art to raise awareness about world hunger and the WFP’s efforts to combat it, while generating funds for this humanitarian cause. The show, titled Aware, has been organised by the WFP offices in Iran and the UAE in collaboration with Contemporary Practices Art Journal and The Farjam Collection. It features paintings, sculptures, calligraphy and photographic artworks donated by artists from Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon and the UAE. The works will be auctioned at The Young Collectors Auction to be held at the Ayyam Art Centre on April 15th 2013, with the entire proceeds going to WFP Iran for funding their relief operations for refugees living in Iran.

Read More: Middle Eastern Art Goes Under the Hammer in Dubai