Michael Jackson’s Thriller Jacket and Moonwalk Glove Take Centre Stage at UAE Pop Culture Auction.
Abu Dhabi: One of the most recognisable outfits in music history is heading to the UAE, as Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller jacket prepares to go under the hammer at an exclusive auction in Abu Dhabi this December.
Only two versions of the famous jacket were created for the groundbreaking Thriller music video. While one remains with the Michael Jackson estate, the other will be offered to collectors at an upcoming auction.
Organised by Julien’s Auctions, Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction will form part of the Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 9, 2026, at Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
The event will feature more than 100 items from the King of Pop’s wardrobe, including four highly sought-after pieces dating back to 1983.
Michael Jackson’s Iconic Thriller Jacket Returns to Auction
The distinctive black and bright red calf-leather jacket was created by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, the costume designer behind the Thriller video and wife of its director, John Landis.
Only two jackets were produced for the filming. One, which sustained wear during the elaborate zombie dance sequences, remained with Jackson’s estate.
The second jacket, now heading to Abu Dhabi, has an equally remarkable history.
Jackson personally signed the sleeve before presenting it to his longtime costume designers, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.
In June 2011, the jacket was sold through Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, attracting strong interest from international collectors.
Texas commodities trader Milton Verret ultimately secured the historic piece for $1.8 million, outbidding approximately a dozen competitors.
According to Guinness World Records, the transaction established a record for the most expensive jacket ever sold at auction.
Following the purchase, Verret announced plans to display the jacket through a touring exhibition to raise funds for children’s hospitals.
A portion of the proceeds from the 2011 auction also benefited Shambala Preserve, a wildlife sanctuary that provided a home for Jackson’s two Bengal tigers, including one named Thriller.
Now, approximately 15 years after its record-breaking sale, the jacket is returning to the auction market.
Julien’s Auctions co-founder Martin Nolan highlighted the enduring popularity of the garment, describing it as a cultural icon that continues to attract worldwide attention, according to comments reported by People.
Legendary Moonwalk Glove Expected to Fetch Up to $800,000
Another major attraction at the Abu Dhabi auction will be the rhinestone-covered glove Jackson wore during his unforgettable performance of Billie Jean on the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.
The performance, broadcast in May 1983, became a defining moment in pop music history when Jackson introduced his signature moonwalk to a television audience.
The sparkling glove later achieved its own auction milestone when Julien’s sold it for $430,000 in 2009.
For the upcoming Abu Dhabi sale, the auction house estimates that the glove could fetch between $600,000 and $800,000.
Its association with one of Jackson’s most celebrated performances makes it a particularly significant piece of music memorabilia.
Michael Jackson’s Famous Dancing Shoes Also Up for Sale
Alongside the jacket and glove, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on two pairs of black loafers associated with Jackson’s performances in 1983.
The first pair was worn during his historic Motown 25 appearance, when he performed the moonwalk that would become one of his most recognisable dance moves.
The second pair consists of Florsheim loafers worn during the filming of the Thriller music video.
These shoes will be accompanied by a signed letter addressed to Michael Peters, the choreographer who worked on the celebrated music video.
Together, the four items represent some of the most memorable moments in Jackson’s career and are expected to attract significant attention from collectors and music enthusiasts.
Michael Jackson Auction in Abu Dhabi: Key Details
- Event: Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction
- Dates: December 7–9, 2026
- Venue: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
- Auction organiser: Julien’s Auctions
- Collection: More than 100 items from Michael Jackson’s wardrobe
- Major highlights: The iconic Thriller jacket, the Motown 25 moonwalk glove and two pairs of black loafers from 1983
- Glove price estimate: $600,000–$800,000
- Thriller jacket’s previous auction price: $1.8 million in 2011
The upcoming sale offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire items closely associated with some of Michael Jackson’s most influential performances.
With the Thriller jacket returning to auction after 15 years and the legendary moonwalk glove also available, the Abu Dhabi event is set to draw considerable interest from music memorabilia collectors around the world.
