Auction house Sotheby’s has announced its first-ever sale in Saudi Arabia, which will also be the first international auction held in the Kingdom, as well as the opening of its office in Riyadh.
Entitled Origins, the evening auction will take place on 8 February 2025 in Riyadh and comprise two parts. The first will consist of a selection of work by artists from the Kingdom as well as historically prominent international names, while the second will comprise a series of luxury goods, including watches, jewellery, cars, handbags and sports memorabilia. Before the sale itself, Sotheby’s will be hosting a free exhibition, open to all from 1–8 February and at which all the artwork and items included in Origins will be on display.
Both the auction and the exhibition will take place in Diriyah, the historic “heart of the nation” and the venue for numerous events since its restoration. The auction house’s new Riyadh office will be located in the Al Faisaliah Tower, a landmark skyscraper designed by Norman Foster. The auction and new office opening follow the official incorporation of Sotheby’s in Saudi Arabia in late 2023, cementing the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a worldwide focal point for arts and culture.
Charles F Stewart, Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This is a very dynamic time for culture in Saudi Arabia. Sotheby’s has been active in the Kingdom for a number of years now and we’ve witnessed the blossoming of the cultural scene with great interest. In committing to a physical presence in Riyadh, we’re supporting the enrichment of the artistic landscape of the country, which will empower the large youth demographic of Saudi. This is an important milestone in our relationship with the Kingdom, and we look forward to hosting our inaugural auction to mark the occasion, fittingly in a historic location of such immense cultural significance”.
