Middle Eastern art institute Ayyam Gallery is set to launch two new galleries in London, UK and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in early 2013.

The curatorial programme of both buildings will reflect that of Ayyam Gallery's existing locations in Damascus, Beirut and Dubai.

The gallery focuses on showcasing established and emerging Middle Eastern artists with the aim of expanding its reputation in the international art world.

Founded by collectors and cousins Khaled and Hisham Samawi in Damascus in 2006, Ayyam Damascus functions as a studio for artists who remain in the war-torn city.

Ayyam London will launch at New Bond Street on 24 January 2013 with a solo exhibition of work by Lebanese artist and architect Nadim Karam.

Khaled Samawi said: "Our presence in London will allow us to better represent our artists, repositioning us from a regional gallery representing regional artists to a global gallery representing artists with a global reach."

Meanwhile, Ayyam Jeddah is set to open on 6 February 2013 with a group show of paintings and photographic works artists, including: Mohannad Orabi, Abdul Karim Majdal Al Beik, Oussama Diab, Lara Zankoul, Lara Attalah and Mohammad Badr.

Arab and Iranian artists represented at Ayyam Gallery include Nadim Karam, Safwan Dahoul, Samia Halaby, Sadik Alfraji, Afshin Pirhashemi and Khaled Takreti.