Roger El Khoury, a 36-year-old Lebanese national, is the founder of Artbooth Gallery in the UAE. With a background in Art History from the Saint Joseph University of Beirut and a certificate in Art Management and Evaluation from ESA Business School, Roger has over a decade of experience in the art industry. He specializes in modern and contemporary art and has a keen eye for discovering emerging artists.
Roger’s journey in the art world began when he started working with Ayyam Art Gallery in Beirut. It was during this time that he realized the immense potential and uniqueness of the art industry, which led him to open his own gallery space. He has always been passionate about art and has dedicated himself to studying and expanding his knowledge in the field.
Before establishing Artbooth Gallery’s physical space, Roger operated a mobile gallery that served as a platform for advising and assisting art collectors with investment-grade art between Beirut and the UAE. Additionally, he worked at The Young Collectors Auction from 2013 to 2016, participating in over 50 auctions that showcased young and emerging artists.
Roger’s journey in the UAE began in 2009 when he started visiting Dubai regularly for work-related purposes. However, since 2019, he has been based in Abu Dhabi with his family, making it their home. Roger appreciates the cosmopolitan nature of the UAE, its economic stability, and the strong support it offers to the arts. These factors have contributed to the success of Artbooth Gallery and its ability to thrive in the UAE’s art scene.
As the founder of Artbooth Gallery, Roger finds great joy in discovering talented emerging artists and helping them grow their careers. He has a particular interest in investment-grade art, recognizing the potential for art pieces to increase in value over time. Curating exhibitions and witnessing the success of young artists who become masters in their field brings him immense satisfaction.
Over the years, Roger’s personal philosophy and approach to life have evolved. He has learned not to stress over things beyond his control and believes that everything falls into place at the right time. Life itself has been his most significant influence, as the experiences and challenges he has faced have shaped him into the person he is today.
One valuable lesson that Roger learned was during the delay in opening Artbooth Gallery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initially being seen as a setback, he now realizes that not finding a suitable space at that time was a blessing in disguise. This experience has taught him to trust the timing of life and worry less about deviations from his plans.
Maintaining a balance between work, family, and personal pursuits is of utmost importance to Roger. He believes that balance is crucial for personal and professional growth. Spending quality time with his family and children is a priority for him, and he values the opportunities that arise from social gatherings.
As an expat in the UAE, Roger has found the city to be incredibly welcoming. The cosmopolitan nature of the UAE, along with its economic and political stability, provides an environment where individuals from over 250 countries can thrive. The UAE’s support for the arts has further solidified its position as a safe haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Roger’s ultimate dream for himself and his family is to maintain good health and happiness. He strives to create a fulfilling life for his loved ones and aims to expand the reach of Artbooth Gallery while contributing to the art scene in the UAE.
For those seeking success, Roger advises them to never stop learning, persevere in the face of failure, and continue moving forward towards their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, embracing opportunities, and believing in one’s abilities.
Roger El Khoury’s journey in the art world serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and art enthusiasts. Through his passion, expertise, and dedication, he has made a significant impact on the art scene in the UAE and continues to contribute to the growth of the industry.
