Famed auction house Christie's announced its upcoming Internet-based rare jewelry and art sales event in Dubai for October 31 through November 1.

Christie's LIVE™, the first international auction house in the Middle East, will offer museum quality art and jewelry to collectors worldwide from the convenience of a personal computer. Launched on July 12, 2006, Christie's LIVE™ has so far sold some $25.1 million in 37 sales, with more than 28,600 bids solicited. The Dubai-based internet auctions utilize proprietary software that enable registered bidders to watch live video of the auctioneer and hear actual bidding on the auction floor.

"Christie's LIVE® is an exciting new strategy for Christie's growing global client base, and reaffirms our tradition of providing new avenues of customer service in the truly global market for arts, antiques and collectibles and encouraging the next generation of enthusiasts and collectors," said Michael Jeha, managing director of Christie's Dubai.

The new service has created enthusiasm among bidders, who are able to virtually attend the company's auctions throughout the world. Currently, the company also holds online auctions in Amsterdam, Geneva, London King Street, London South Kensington, and New York. Some 11 percent of clients have used the online service to register and bid in the company’s auctions since inception.

"The seamless technology of Christie's LIVE® combines real-time video and audio with clear bidding instructions, enabling users in Dubai and around the Middle East to 'virtually' attend auctions at Christie's salerooms across the globe," said Jeha.

Users will need to download the company's software, and register ahead of each event. A complete calendar of online auctions is available at the company's website at christies.com/christieslive. No additional fee will be charged for using the service, and users will pay the same buyer's premium, whether they bid in person or via telephone or Internet.