Sotheby’s is officially making its return to Saudi Arabia with a high-profile exhibition and auction in Riyadh next month. After the success of its first-ever Saudi auction earlier this year, the world-renowned auction house is back with a stronger lineup, a public showcase, and a clear focus on the region’s growing art scene.
Titled ‘Origins’, the Sotheby’s Riyadh exhibition and auction will take place in Diriyah, one of the Kingdom’s most culturally significant locations. For art collectors, creatives, and enthusiasts across the Gulf — including those in Dubai — this event is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about art moments of early 2026.
Unlike a closed-door sale, Sotheby’s is also opening its doors to the public, making the exhibition free to visit and easy to explore.
What ‘Origins’ is all about?
The ‘Origins’ collection brings together more than 70 artworks from leading Saudi and Middle Eastern artists, alongside well-known international names. Several of these works will be appearing on the auction market for the first time, adding to the excitement around the sale.
The collection spans multiple categories. Expect ancient sculpture, 20th-century design, prints, modern and contemporary works, Middle Eastern art, Latin American pieces, and modern South Asian art. It’s a broad mix, designed to reflect how global and layered today’s collectors have become.
For Dubai-based art lovers familiar with Alserkal Avenue, DIFC galleries, or the city’s growing creative festivals, the approach will feel familiar. It’s not about one region or one style. It’s about how cultures, histories, and ideas intersect.
Diriyah is the perfect host city
Once again, Sotheby’s has chosen Diriyah as its Saudi venue — and the choice feels intentional. Diriyah is widely regarded as the birthplace of the First Saudi State and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents history, identity, and deep cultural roots.
At the same time, Diriyah today is also modern, vibrant, and forward-looking. Much like Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District sitting alongside Downtown skyscrapers, Diriyah balances heritage with ambition.
The exhibition will be held at Bujairi Terrace, a destination known for its atmosphere, dining options, and scenic views. It’s a space that encourages people to slow down, explore, and engage — not just rush in and out.
For visitors travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Diriyah also fits neatly into a short cultural getaway.
Exhibition and auction dates you should know
The free public exhibition opens on Saturday, January 24, 2026, giving visitors a full week to view the collection before the auction. This allows art lovers, students, and casual visitors to see the works up close, without any pressure to bid.
The auction itself will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The timing is no coincidence. The event runs alongside the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and lands just ahead of Art Basel Doha, which debuts in February as the fair’s first Middle East edition. Together, these events place Saudi Arabia firmly on the global art calendar.
For Gulf residents, this creates a packed winter season filled with cultural things to do beyond shopping, dining, or beach plans.
Sotheby’s growing commitment to the Middle East
Sotheby’s leadership has made it clear that Saudi Arabia is not a one-off destination. According to Ashkan Baghestani, Head of Sale and Contemporary Art Specialist, the January auction reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region.
Earlier this year, Sotheby’s became the first international auction house to host a sale in the Kingdom. The strong response showed that the Saudi market is evolving quickly, with increasing interest from both regional and international collectors.
The goal, Sotheby’s says, is not only to sell artworks, but also to give regional artists global visibility while supporting a fast-growing creative ecosystem. It’s an approach that closely mirrors Dubai’s own journey over the past two decades.
for art lovers in Dubai and the UAE
For Dubai-based collectors and creatives, Sotheby’s Riyadh exhibition and auction is another sign of how connected the region’s cultural cities have become. Short flights, shared audiences, and aligned calendars mean events in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi now feel closer than ever.
Saudi Arabia’s expanding art scene isn’t replacing Dubai’s role. Instead, it’s complementing it. Together, cities across the Gulf are shaping a stronger, more confident cultural identity on the global stage.
For residents planning winter travel, this also adds a meaningful option to the list — one that combines art, history, food and lifestyle experiences.
Sotheby’s return to Saudi Arabia confirms what many in the region already sense — Riyadh is becoming a serious player in the global art world. With a strong curatorial vision, a historic venue, and free public access, the January exhibition and auction strike the right balance between exclusivity and openness.
For anyone interested in art, culture, travel, or meaningful things to do in the Gulf this winter, this is one event worth keeping an eye on.
Read More: AlUla Arts Festival 2026: The Desert’s Biggest Culture Festival Returns This January
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news, travel highlights, Bollywood buzz, and the best things to do across Dubai and the UAE — from food and lifestyle stories to major cultural events in the region.
