Sotheby's hosts its first international auction in Saudi Arabia

Sotheby's hits over $17 million at its first-ever auction in Saudi Arabia, featuring a collection of artworks and rare artifacts that blend regional heritage with global creativity.

Soundbite said  Ashkan Baghestani, Sotheby’s Head of Sale and Director for Contemporary and Middle Eastern Art (male, English, 17 sec): "We offered a wide range of works, 57 artists, international, local, sculpture, digital art, everything. We had an extremely successful sale where I don't think we would have hoped for such a strong result here in Saudi Arabia for our inaugural auction."

 The sale attracted collectors from 45 countries, with nearly a third of purchases made by Saudi buyers and more than 30 percent of participants.