This February, Sotheby’s embarks on a unique chapter in its storied history, hosting its first-ever auction in Saudi Arabia. This inaugural event is more than a mere addition to the auction house’s extensive calendar; it marks a symbolic milestone in Sotheby’s deepening relationship with the Gulf region. The Origins auction will take place on 8th February in Diriyah, a site of profound cultural and historical importance just outside Riyadh. Once the capital of the First Saudi State, Diriyah is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s heritage and its aspirations for the future.
Coinciding with this landmark sale is the opening of Sotheby’s new office in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. Designed by Norman Foster, the tower holds a special place in the city’s skyline as the nation’s first skyscraper, symbolising progress and modernity. This expansion reflects Sotheby’s commitment to the Middle East, reinforcing its role as a global leader in art and luxury. With a presence in 40 countries and 80 offices worldwide, Sotheby’s equates the finest in art, culture, and luxury. From London to Dubai, Paris to Hong Kong, the auction house conducts approximately 250 sales annually, spanning over 70 categories. Now, with Saudi Arabia joining its roster of prestigious locations, Sotheby’s opens a new chapter of accessibility and cultural exchange 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.
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.
Origins
The venue for Sotheby’s upcoming Origins auction and exhibition in Diriyah could not be more symbolic. As the birthplace of the First Saudi State, established just under two decades – before Sotheby’s inception in 1744 – Diriyah provides a fitting backdrop for this landmark event. Announced last year following a $1 billion investment by Abu Dhabi-based wealth fund ADQ, the Origins auction highlights Sotheby’s commitment to celebrating global art and luxury in the Gulf region.
The auction will feature an impressive collection of works by famed Saudi artists alongside international masterpieces. Key pieces include Ahmed Mater’s diptych from The Illumination Series, a standout example of his exploration of identity through the intersection of art, science, and religion. Inspired by traditional Islamic arts, Mater’s illuminated Qur’anic folios are recognised as some of his most iconic works. Complementing these regional highlights is Damien Hirst’s Faithless, part of his Kaleidoscope Paintings. This striking mosaic of vivid blues, reds, and yellows, inspired by Victorian naturalists, uses butterfly wings arranged by colour to create a visually captivating work. Luxury items will also take centre stage, including a Cartier sapphire and diamond bracelet from 1927, estimated to sell for $325,000. The piece, with its geometric openwork design, features four cushion-cut sapphires accented by old European and baguette-cut diamonds, representing Cartier’s craftsmanship during the Art Deco era.
The Origins auction will be preceded by a public exhibition from February 1 to 8, offering visitors the chance to view these pieces firsthand. The week-long celebration of art, culture, and luxury will spotlight museum-quality works across fine arts, jewellery, watches, cars, handbags, and sports memorabilia, reflecting the breadth of Sotheby’s influence and its dedication to excellence in every form.
How Sotheby’s Cemented its Foothold in The Kingdom
Sotheby’s connection to Saudi Arabia dates back to 2013 when it became the first international auction house to hold a highlights exhibition in the Kingdom. This marked the start of a meaningful relationship, with Sotheby’s playing an active role in fostering the Gulf’s cultural ecosystem. From supporting educational initiatives to encouraging artistic dialogue, the auction house has consistently shown its commitment to the region. In 2017, Sotheby’s held its first charity auction in Saudi Arabia and took part in key cultural events, including the Riyadh International Book Fair and the inaugural Contemporary and Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. Through panel discussions, talks, and guided tours led by international experts, Sotheby’s has shared its expertise while amplifying the voices of regional artists, nurturing creativity and collaboration. In 2024, this commitment deepened through a partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation that concluded with a series of workshops and talks aimed at engaging audiences and cultural exchange. This was followed by Hafla, a month-long exhibition at Sotheby’s galleries in London. A celebration of Middle Eastern culture, Hafla brought together art, jewellery, food, and fashion, featuring renowned artists such as Dia Aziz Dia, Mohammed Al Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi, and Dana Awartani. The exhibition highlighted the region’s artistic heritage while connecting it to a global audience.
Final Note
As Saudi Arabia embraces a cultural renaissance, Sotheby’s permanent presence in Riyadh signals a transformative moment. Aligned with Vision 2030, this move supports the Kingdom’s ambition to diversify its cultural landscape and promote artistic resonance. Sotheby’s new base will not only strengthen its ties to the region but also unite audiences in celebrating art, culture, and luxury, with a commitment to honouring the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
