The art collector Sindika Dokolo has died at the age of 48 in Dubai. The Congolese-born businessman, who was married to Isabel dos Santos, daughter of the former president of Angola, was a leading collector of contemporary African art and an advocate for the restitution of African artifacts to the continent. Dokolo and dos Santos were being investigated by the Angolan authorities after the publication of an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in January 2020, both Dokolo and dos Santos denied allegations of diverting state funds and money laundering. Dokolo is said to have begun collecting at the age of 15 and through his foundation, established in the early 2000s, had built up a collection of some 3,000 works.
As the cultural landscape of the Middle East continues to evolve, Abu Dhabi is preparing to unveil one of its most anticipated artistic milestones. On 11 December 2026, the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors, marking a transformative moment not only for the UAE but also for the international art world.