The Arab world is investing in their art culture with unprecedented spending, recently acquiring Cezanne’s The Card Players for $250 million, after purchasing the Louvre name for $525 million and another $750 million for works from its collection.

These drastic measures demonstrate an effort to broaden ties to the global economy.

The Wall Street Journal reports on the Arab world's art boom, spanning from royal patronage to the latest challenge from homegrown revolutionaries following the Arab Spring.