Investment in art and antiques offers the potential of strong long-term returns. That's according to Christie's managing director for the Middle East, Michael Jeha.

"In the present environment of stock market instability, works of art and antiques can be a good place to invest with the potential, over the long term, of a good return," he told Gulf News recently.

Mahmoud Said’s $600,000-estimated Pecheurs a Rashid (Rosette) will highlight Christie’s Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian And Turkish Art auction

Speaking ahead of Christie's Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art auction in Dubai on October 23-24, Jeha added that it is important to make a personal connection with a piece before buying.

"We always encourage potential clients to ask if the art work moves them in some way. First follow your heart and then buy with your head," he said.

It is advice that we at Paul Fraser Collectibles agree with. Because if an artwork moves you, the strong likelihood is that it will move others as well.

And with price appreciation often a long-term game, it is vital that one derives pleasure from ownership rather than simply the potential profit.

A recent Paul Fraser Collectibles survey revealed that 69% of collectors buy for a combination of pleasure of ownership and profit - read more about the potential of art investment.

The Middle East art market is currently making great strides.

In 2005 Christie's became the first international auction house to set up a permanent base in the Middle East, and its Dubai headquarters was its fastest-growing auction house in 2010, with a 153% increase in sales.

We will bring you full results from next week's sale right here.