Four pieces of Michael Jackson's most famous stage wardrobe are landing in Abu Dhabi this winter. Before they go under the hammer at a December auction, they'll sit on public display in the lobby of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — meaning anyone walking through the hotel between November 29 and December 5 can get an up-close look at genuine pop history for free.
The headliners are instantly recognisable. There's the red-and-black leather jacket from the 1983 Thriller video, arguably the most famous garment in music video history. Then there's the rhinestone-studded glove associated with Jackson's Billie Jean performance at Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever — the TV special where he debuted the moonwalk. Two pairs of loafers round out the collection: one worn during the making of Thriller, the other from Motown 25 rehearsals. The Thriller shoes come with a personal signed note from Jackson to his choreographer, thanking them for helping bring the video to life and handing over the shoes as a keepsake.
The sale itself runs December 7 to 9 at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, staged by Julien's Auctions as part of its Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience — a rolling event of memorabilia, fashion and cultural artefacts tied to big-name stars. Pricing gives a sense of scale: the Motown 25 glove is estimated at $600,000 to $800,000 (roughly Dhs2.2 to 2.94 million), the Motown 25 loafers at $60,000 to $80,000, and the Thriller loafers at $30,000 to $50,000. The Thriller jacket's estimate is only available on request, which usually signals expectations on the high side.
For travellers, this is a neatly timed excuse to visit Abu Dhabi in early December. The free lobby display means you don't need an auction paddle to see the pieces — just swing by Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental during the exhibition week. If you do fancy bidding, registration goes through the Julien's website. Either way, it pairs well with a winter city break in the UAE capital, when the weather finally cools enough to enjoy the Corniche, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and the city's hotel dining scene without melting.
