Why Zurani

Why choose Zurani — independent art advisory

In a market shaped by conflicts of interest, Zurani offers something rare: advice that answers only to you. A partnership-led approach to art advisory, grounded in discretion, alignment, and long-term thinking.

Our Philosophy

Why Zurani — founder background and firm origins

Zurani was established by Benjamin Tomkins after more than ten years working at the intersection of art and finance. The firm emerged from the realisation that much of the advice received by collectors was fundamentally flawed: provided by parties with commercial ties that created incentives misaligned with buyers’ interests.

Today, Zurani is based in Dubai, with offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Doha, and soon Hong Kong. Our team combines profound expertise in the art market with financial discipline, cultural understanding, and the Zurani Intelligence Engine — proprietary technology that provides our partners with a true information advantage in a market that often remains opaque.

The Journey

Our journey — from London to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Hong Kong

2020

— Arthur Avery founded in London

Arthur Avery was founded in London, beginning to build the relationships, data infrastructure and advisory methodology that will evolve into the Zurani model.

2023

Zurani established in Dubai
The firm is reconstituted as Zurani and licensed in the UAE, thereby establishing a formal regulatory framework and positioning it at the centre of the GCC’s rapidly expanding art market.Arthur Avery was founded in London, beginning to build the relationships, data infrastructure and advisory methodology that will evolve into the Zurani model.

2024

Zurani established in Abu Dhabi

The firm expands its regulatory and operational presence into Abu Dhabi, bringing it closer to the ADGM and deepening its capacity to serve an increasingly international client base.

2025

Penbriar founded in London
Penbriar is established in London under the Zurani umbrella, bringing an advisory and curatorial presence to one of the world’s most significant art markets and extending the firm’s reach to collectors across Europe and beyond.

2026

Doha office opens

Zurani expands into Doha, responding to growing demand for independent art advisory from family offices and institutional partners across the Middle East and internationally.

2027

Expansion into Asia

Zurani enters Asia, establishing a presence in Hong Kong to serve the region’s growing community of collectors, family offices and cultural institutions. Independence is not a positioning statement. It is how we are structured. We’d welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the difference.

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Every partnership starts with one. Complete discretion is assured.