Christie’s expands from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia 

This marks the first opening of an international auction house in the Kingdom. 

Christie’s is one of the world’s leading auction houses. Now, the British company is expanding from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia. This marks the first opening of an international auction house in Saudi, and the second location in the Gulf.  

Christie’s will showcase art from the region. Nour Kelani will serve as Christie’s Managing Director in Saudi Arabia, and will be based in Riyadh. She will lead client services for the Fine Art and Luxury secondary business, and build the clientele in the Kingdom.

She explained: “I am delighted to be joining Christie’s, known for its innovative business approach combined with an incredible heritage and world-leading expertise. I look forward to building on my connections with collectors, institutions, and others in the art eco-system in the region to further expand on the foundations that Christie’s has already put in place”.

Anthea Peers, President of Christie’s Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “Christie’s is honoured to be welcomed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to supporting ongoing cultural plans for the region while continuing to celebrate its hugely talented artists. Christie’s has had active Saudi Arabian clients for many years, living there and around the world, and that client base is ever-growing within the Kingdom. It has been a long-term business plan to progress by seeking a commercial license to operate in the Kingdom”. 

Over summer 2024, the London venue held an exhibition celebrating the Saudi Arabian artist, Ahmed Mater. The exhibition brought together more than 100 works. Plus, the venue was a contributing partner at the 2024 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale.

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GO: Visit www.christies.com for more information.