Sotheby’s ties with Saudi Arabia began in 2013 when it became the first international auction house to host a highlights exhibition in the Kingdom. This marked the beginning of an enduring relationship, with Sotheby’s playing a role in fostering the Gulf’s cultural growth. From championing education to encouraging artistic dialogue, the auction house has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the region. In 2017, Sotheby’s held its first charity auction in Saudi Arabia and participated in key cultural events such as the Riyadh International Book Fair and the inaugural Contemporary and Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. Panel discussions, guided tours, and talks by international experts further amplified the voices of regional artists, nurturing creativity and collaboration. In 2024, this commitment was strengthened through a partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, which included workshops and talks focused on cultural exchange. This was followed by Hafla, a month-long exhibition at Sotheby’s London galleries celebrating Middle Eastern culture. The event brought together art, jewellery, food, and fashion, showcasing the work of notable artists like Dia Aziz Dia, Mohammed Al Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi, and Dana Awartani. It was a platform that connected the region’s artistic heritage with a global audience.
Diriyah: A World-Class Cultural Hub
Diriyah is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rich history and a key player in its transformation into a global cultural hub. Known as The City of Earth, Diriyah is home to At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history. As the capital of the first Saudi State and the ancestral home of the Al Saud family, Diriyah is both a beacon of national pride and a bridge between past and future. This historic town has evolved into an animated centre of arts, culture, and hospitality, blending traditional Najdi architecture with modern cultural programming. Each year, Diriyah hosts the Diriyah Season, a three-month celebration of the region’s nearly 600-year history. Visitors enjoy arts and cultural exhibitions, live performances, and outdoor activities that honour the legacy of the Arabian Peninsula. Sotheby’s Origins auction in Diriyah reflects this spirit of exploration and reverence for heritage, bringing together extraordinary works of art in a setting that embodies the Kingdom’s past, present, and future.
A New Chapter for Sotheby’s in Saudi Arabia
This February, Sotheby’s embarks on an extraordinary chapter in its history, hosting its first-ever auction in Saudi Arabia. More than a new addition to its calendar, this event marks a significant moment in the auction house’s deepening relationship with the Gulf region. Taking place on 8th February in Diriyah, just outside Riyadh, the Origins auction is set in a location rich with cultural and historical resonance. Once the capital of the First Saudi State, Diriyah stands as a symbol of the Kingdom’s heritage and its vision for the future.
Alongside this landmark event, Sotheby’s will open a new office in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. Designed by Norman Foster, this iconic skyscraper is both a modern architectural statement and a nod to Saudi Arabia’s progress. The expansion reflects Sotheby’s ongoing commitment to the Middle East, solidifying its role as a global leader in art and luxury. With offices in 40 countries and 80 locations worldwide, including London, Dubai, Paris, and Hong Kong, Sotheby’s conducts approximately 250 auctions annually, across 70 categories. Now, Saudi Arabia joins this prestigious network, opening a new chapter for cultural exchange and accessibility in the Kingdom.
The Origins auction embodies Sotheby’s vision to bridge past and present, showing extraordinary works of art in a setting imbued with historical resonance. It is a reflection of the auction house’s understanding of the region’s rich cultural identity and its dedication to curating experiences that celebrate heritage and creativity. For Sotheby’s, this moment is not just about expansion but about fostering a deeper connection with the Kingdom’s artistic and cultural legacy.
Origins
The venue for Sotheby’s Origins auction and exhibition is as significant as the event itself. Diriyah, the birthplace of the First Saudi State, provides an evocative backdrop for this milestone. Established just two decades before Sotheby’s inception in 1744, Diriyah’s history underscores the event’s theme of legacy and vision. Announced after a $1 billion investment by Abu Dhabi-based wealth fund ADQ, the Origins auction reaffirms Sotheby’s dedication to celebrating global art and luxury in the Gulf.
The auction features an impressive array of works by renowned Saudi artists and international creators. Among the highlights is Ahmed Mater’s diptych from The Illumination Series. This iconic piece explores identity through the lens of art, science, and religion, drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic arts with its illuminated Qur’anic folios. Also featured is Damien Hirst’s Faithless from his Kaleidoscope Paintings. This visually striking mosaic of butterfly wings, arranged in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, pays homage to Victorian naturalists and showcases Hirst’s mastery in blending colour and form. Luxury will also be prominently represented, with a Cartier sapphire and diamond bracelet from 1927 as one of the standout pieces. Estimated to sell for $325,000, the bracelet reflects the elegance of the Art Deco era, with its geometric openwork design, four cushion-cut sapphires, and old European and baguette-cut diamonds.
Before the Origins auction begins, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the collection up close during a public exhibition running from 1st to 8th February. This week-long event offers a chance to see the remarkable pieces firsthand, from fine art and jewellery to watches, cars, handbags, and even sports memorabilia. It’s more than just a display; it’s a celebration of art, craftsmanship, and culture that highlights Sotheby’s ability to bring together diverse treasures. Amid works that span history and contemporary taste, the exhibition reflects the house’s dedication to connecting people with extraordinary creations.
Sotheby’s new permanent base in Riyadh marks an important step forward. Aligned with Vision 2030, this move supports the Kingdom’s efforts to expand its cultural horizons and deepen its connection to the arts while bringing people together.
