In the latest art news, Sotheby’s has unveiled plans to establish a permanent office in Saudi Arabia, marking a strategic expansion into a thriving market for art and luxury. Its inaugural event, an auction titled Origins, is set to debut on Feb. 8, 2025, in the historic town of Diriyah.
The auction will unfold in two parts, featuring fine art from both established Saudi artists and celebrated international names. In addition, the auction will encompass an array of luxury items—from jewelry and watches to rare cars, sports memorabilia, and designer handbags. Prior to the event, all items will be on display in a free public exhibition, open from Feb. 1 to 8.
Sotheby’s has long been actively involved in several art initiatives across the kingdom. The auction house was a key supporter of Saudi Arabia’s first Contemporary Art Biennale in 2022 and its Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah the following year, where the auction house provided expert-led panel discussions, talks, and guided tours. This year, Sotheby’s deepened its commitment by partnering with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for its 2024 program via talks and workshops led by industry experts.
Sotheby’s became the first international auction house to host an exhibition in Saudi Arabia in 2013, followed by an inaugural charity auction in 2017. Its participation in the 2022 Riyadh International Book Fair further solidified its presence, offering a curated collection of rare books, manuscripts, and photographs. Last August, Sotheby’s also hosted Hafla in London, a month-long exhibition celebrating Middle Eastern art, jewelry, fashion, and cuisine.
Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s CEO, emphasized the importance of the auction house’s expanding presence in Saudi Arabia: “This is a transformative time for culture in Saudi Arabia, and we are thrilled to participate in the flourishing of its artistic landscape. Our commitment to a physical office in Riyadh will further engage and inspire the Kingdom’s dynamic youth demographic, marking a milestone in our relationship with the region. We are honored to launch our inaugural auction in Diriyah, a place of profound cultural heritage.”
Diriyah Company Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, expressed similar enthusiasm: “We are immensely proud to host Sotheby’s first-ever international art auction in Saudi Arabia. Diriyah, with its legacy of three centuries of cultural significance, is the perfect venue to welcome such a distinguished institution. This collaboration with Sotheby’s builds on our previous engagements, including our work with Sotheby’s International Realty to promote the Ritz-Carlton Residences Diriyah, and paves the way for future partnerships.”
With decades of experience operating in Dubai and a recent $1 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s ADQ—now a minority shareholder—Sotheby’s is decisively positioned to expand its footprint across the Middle East.
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