Christie’s has announced the expansion of their Middle East presence and appointed Nour Kelani as Managing Director of Christie’s Saudi Arabia.
The expansion comes as Christie’s was granted a commercial license for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, making it the first international auction house with a dedicated presence in country. This also marks Christie’s second regional location after opening in Dubai in 2005. In 2006, Christie’s became the first to hold Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art auctions.
In her new role, Kelani will work with experts from Christie’s to promote the culture and the history of the region while engaging with the next generation of collectors and building upon established clientele.
Kelani has extensive experience in the region and particularly in the Kingdom, as she previously oversaw operations at Ayyam Gallery in Jeddah and played a crucial role in bringing the gallery’s Young Collector’s Auctions to the country. She has also managed an art and luxury consultancy, been an art advisor to private collectors and a consultant for international luxury brands. Kelani was also made Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.
“I am delighted to be joining Christie’s, known for its innovative business approach combined with an incredible heritage and world-leading expertise. I look forward to building on my connections with collectors, institutions, and others in the art ecosystem in the region to further expand on the foundations that Christie’s has already put in place,” shares Kelani.
This news continues Christie’s strong ties to the Kingdom with Ahmed Mater’s recent mid-career retrospective, curated by Dr. Ridha Moumni, Chairman, Christie’s Middle East and Africa, at the London headquarters, as well as the recent partnership with the 2024 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale.
