Ashkan Baghestani on Sotheby’s First Auction in Saudi Arabia and the Region’s Growing Art Market

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Ashkan Baghestani, SVP and Head of Contemporary Day Sale at Sotheby’s, about the auction house’s inaugural sale in Saudi Arabia, Origins, taking place on February 8. Ashkan discusses the factors behind Sotheby’s expansion into this growing market, how Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene compares to other Middle Eastern hubs, and the strategy behind curating a sale that blends fine art, sports memorabilia, watches, jewelry, and handbags. He also shares insights into how Sotheby’s is engaging both seasoned and emerging collectors in the region and what trends are shaping the Saudi art market. Finally, Ashkan provides a broader look at Sotheby’s long-term vision for the Middle East and whether the recent investment from Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, plays a role in shaping the auction house’s future in the region.