Sotheby’s Announces First Auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025

Sotheby’s will host its first auction in Saudi Arabia, titled ‘Origins’, on February 8th, 2025, marking the first international luxury goods auction ever held in the Kingdom. The event aims to attract seasoned collectors as well as newcomers, establishing a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the global art and luxury market.

The ‘Origins’ auction will feature a two-part evening sale comprising fine art by both Saudi artists and renowned international figures, complemented by a range of luxury items including jewellery, watches, cars, sports memorabilia and handbags. Sotheby’s will also host a public exhibition of the auction items from February 1st to the 8th, offering free access for visitors to view the curated collection.

Diriyah, the historic site and UNESCO World Heritage location recognized as the birthplace of the Saudi state, will serve as the venue for both the auction and the exhibition.

Sotheby’s seeks to bring a rich, cross-category experience to Saudi collectors with this event as part of its long-term commitment to strengthening cultural infrastructure in the Gulf. The auction house recently expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia, with an office set to open in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower.

This milestone follows a series of initiatives in the Kingdom by Sotheby’s, such as participating in Saudi Arabia’s first Contemporary Art Biennale (2022), the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s 2024 public programs. Sotheby’s first engagement in the Kingdom dates back to 2013 with a highlights exhibition, followed by its inaugural charity auction in 2017.

The auction house has consistently contributed to regional cultural events, including the Riyadh International Book Fair and exhibitions celebrating Middle Eastern art. Most recently, Sotheby’s organised the Hafla exhibition in London, spotlighting Middle Eastern culture, and curated a collection tracing Saudi Arabia’s visual arts evolution from the 1960s through 2015.