Dubai, 09 October 2007 - A fabulous, unique carved emerald priced at $5 million will be a major attraction at The Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fair at The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 12th - 15th December 2007. The Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fair will take place under the patronage of the Dubai Cultural Council. Described as possibly the largest carved emerald in the world, and larger than any other in a public museum, the emerald belongs to The Sidhartha Gallery from Bangkok. The Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fair features leading galleries from Paris, Rome, Milan, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Vienna, Brussels and Florence showing a range of the world's finest antiques and works of art. More than 20,000 individual exhibits will be on display.

This stunning emerald has been carved by the Burmese Master Carver Aung Nyein and depicts the Abhaya, Standing Buddha. The emerald is 15.4cm tall and weighs 2,620 carats (or 0.542kg). ('Abhaya' means 'no fear' and this sculpture shows the Buddha giving reassurance and protection to his followers).

This sculpture has been certified natural emerald by the GRS (Gem Research Swiss Lab). It is one of the largest documented emeralds in the world, larger than any emerald in major museums and collections such as The British Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Natural History, New York, The Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., The Crown Jewels of Iran and The Al-Sabah Collection in the Kuwaiti National Museum. This Buddha image was carved in the ancient Sukothai style of "Haarm Yhaart" which was the Buddha's admonition to family members to "Stop quarrelling amongst yourselves", similar to the standing Buddha's of Bamiyan, Afghanistan. This is truly a "one of a kind" religious art treasure, fashioned from a single crystal of precious natural emerald and destined to become a world-renowned religious icon.

Areeq Dubai

The Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fair is being held in association with Areeq Dubai, the Luxury Watch and Jewellery Boutique. Areeq Dubai is part of Dubai International Jewellery week, which also takes place from 12th-15th December at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Dubai International Fine Art & Antiques Fair is presented in Association with Etihad Airways, Areeq Dubai, and Millionaire Magazine

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About Turret Middle East
Turret Middle East is a leading organizer of conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa region. Turret Middle East is a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, and is located on site at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Turret has organized and managed some of the region's biggest events, including ADIPEC and Gastech, drawing in record numbers of exhibitors, visitors, delegates, and expert speakers. Our events have enjoyed the sponsorship, support, and patronage of the region's government departments, public and private sector companies, as well as the media. The expertise that drives Turret Middle East is made up of industry professionals from around the world, with proven experience across all the disciplines required for the creation of a successful event, supported by a select range of professional service providers. Most exhibitor services are done in-house, giving Turret the unique advantage of being able to support exhibitors with extensive services on location.

Forthcoming Turret events
International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition: 24th - 27th October 2007

International Fine Arts and Antiques Fair Abu Dhabi: 21st - 24th November 2007

International Fine Arts and Antiques Fair Dubai: 12th - 15th December 2007

Middle East Ocean Science and Technology Expo: 21st - 23rd January 2008

World Future Energy Summit 2008: 21st - 23rd January 2008

Motorsports Live Abu Dhabi 2008: 20th - 23rd February 2008

Taste of Dubai: 7th - 9th February 2008

www.turretme.com

Local contact:
Habib Bacha
Credo / Gavin Anderson Abu Dhabi
Tel.: +97150 731 9733
habib@credo-ga.com

Fran Foster
Fair Director
Turret Middle East
Tel: +44 (0) 7971 839428
f.foster@turretme.com

Sarita Lakhiani
Turret Middle East
Tel: +9712 444 6011
s.lakhiani@turretme.com

International press contact
Duncan Philips
+44 1460 432090
duncanphilips@btinternet.com

© Press Release 2007