Sotheby's Launches First Auction in Saudi Arabia with 'Origins' Sale and Riyadh Office

Sotheby's will conduct its inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia on 8 February 2025, marking the first international sale in the Kingdom. The event, titled Origins, is scheduled for Riyadh's historic Diriyah district, a restored cultural hub. A free exhibition from 1–8 February will showcase all auction items, including artworks by Saudi and international artists alongside luxury goods like watches, jewelry, cars, handbags, and sports memorabilia. The auction house is also opening a new office in Riyadh's Al Faisaliah Tower, designed by Norman Foster, following Sotheby's official incorporation in Saudi Arabia in late 2023. CEO Charles F. Stewart noted the Kingdom's dynamic cultural growth and the firm's commitment to enriching the artistic landscape, particularly for Saudi youth. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to become a global arts and culture center.