Diriyah, February 13, 2025 – The inaugural “Origins” auction, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever fine art and luxury auction, concluded with remarkable success, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing prominence in the global art and cultural scenes. The event, organized by Sotheby’s in collaboration with Diriyah Company, ran for an entire week and served as a groundbreaking celebration of art, luxury, and culture, solidifying Diriyah’s status as a key cultural hub.
The live auction, held at the iconic Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, saw bidding activity from collectors and art enthusiasts spanning 45 countries, resulting in sales exceeding a staggering $17 million. Notably, a third of the lots were acquired by buyers based within Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing appetite for fine art and luxury in the Kingdom. This international participation underscores the global appeal of Saudi Arabia as a destination for high-end cultural and artistic investments.
The auction highlighted the growing recognition of Saudi artists on the global stage, as all four works by Saudi creators surpassed their estimated values, collectively totaling $1.1 million. This accomplishment marks a significant moment in the country’s art scene, reinforcing the importance of nurturing local talent and providing them with platforms to showcase their work on an international scale.
The week-long celebration began with a free public exhibition from February 1 to 8, which attracted nearly 2,500 visitors. The exhibition offered a rare opportunity for the public to engage with the art on display, setting the stage for the highly anticipated auction. Additionally, the event featured daily panel discussions, which brought together leading figures from the worlds of art, culture, and luxury, drawing over 700 attendees. These thought-provoking conversations further enriched the cultural dialogue surrounding the event and provided valuable insights into the future of art and culture in the Kingdom and beyond.
In a statement following the auction’s success, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, emphasized the event’s importance in affirming Diriyah’s vision as a global hub for arts and culture. He said, “The decision by Sotheby’s, one of the most prestigious auction houses in the world, to host Saudi Arabia’s first international art auction in Diriyah has reinforced our commitment to becoming a global hub for arts and culture at the City of Earth.”
This groundbreaking event has put Diriyah firmly on the map as a dynamic and thriving cultural center, attracting attention from global art collectors, investors, and cultural institutions. As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its presence in the global arts scene, “Origins” has undoubtedly marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance, one that is poised to shape the future of art, luxury, and cultural exchange for years to come.
