Sotheby’s Announces its First International Auction in Saudi Arabia
The auction will showcase an elegant edit of modern art, luxury accessories, jewels and timepiecese auction is set to offer
On February 8, 2025, Sotheby’s will host its first-ever international auction in Saudi Arabia. Titled ‘Origins’, the event will take place at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace, a site that embodies Saudi Arabia’s rich history and cultural evolution. With over 50 renowned artists, the auction is a dream destination for art lovers, offering 100 lots including iconic global masterpieces, regional pieces, and luxury treasures.
The auction will showcase masterpieces by celebrated artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and René Magritte, alongside modern works by artists including Refik Anadol. Among the highlights is renowned artist René Magritte’s L’État de Veille, a piece that showcases dreamlike imagery of skies and clouds to evoke deep reflection. Another highlight is Refik Anadol’s Machine Hallucinations: Mars; a digital real-time generative AI artwork that transforms data from space telescopes into mesmerizing landscapes of Mars, blending technology and artistic vision.
Highlighting modern Arab art, the event includes Louay Kayyali’s Then What?? – a 1965 masterpiece that explores exile and trauma, while Mohammad Al Saleem’s O’ God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them which will also be on auction.
The luxury goods line-up is equally impressive, featuring a sparkling selection of jewels from Cartier and Harry Winston, rare Hermès handbags like the Wicker Mini Picnic Kelly, and exclusive timepieces such as Yohan Blake’s Olympic-worn Richard Mille watch and a unique Cartier Crash. Sports fans can bid on iconic memorabilia, such as Michael Jordan’s Last Dance jersey and Cristiano Ronaldo’s match-worn Portugal jersey.
From February 1–8, the collection will be on display in a free public exhibition at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace. To view the full catalogue and explore all of the lots, click here.