Sotheby's announced yesterday that it will open a new office in Doha, Qatar, and that the first series of major international sales in Qatar are planned for early 2009.

Bill Ruprecht, president and chief executive of Sotheby’s, said, “Doha is today a centre of dynamic economic and cultural growth, not only for the region but also internationally. The magnificent Museum of Islamic Art as well as other museums planned for this city are stirring huge excitement around the world and it is a great honour for Sotheby’s to be a part of this dynamism.”

The announcement came on the same day that the house opened a preview exhibition at the Ritz Carlton in Doha including highlights from a number of its upcoming auctions in London, New York, and Geneva.