From world-class auctions to artist residencies and heritage partnerships, these partnerships highlight the growing cultural ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Auction Houses
Sotheby’s Riyadh:
Sotheby’s opened its first permanent space in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. In February 2025, it hosted "Origins", Saudi Arabia’s first major international art and luxury auction, in Diriyah. The auction achieved $17.28 million in sales, with nearly one-third of buyers based in Saudi Arabia.
Christie’s Saudi Arabia:
Christie’s, led by Managing Director Nour Kelani, opened its second Gulf location in Saudi Arabia. The new office focuses on Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern art, jewellery, and timepieces, expanding Christie's long-standing regional presence after Dubai.
Museums and Exhibitions
Science Museum Group:
The UK’s Science Museum Group signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture to develop a new Museums Hub in Riyadh. British experts will collaborate directly with Saudi museum professionals, researchers, and educators to share expertise and support capacity building.
Historic England Executive agreement with Heritage Commission:
The UK and Saudi Arabia have launched a new cultural partnership focused on heritage preservation and tourism development. Announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to the Gulf, the agreement includes a collaboration between Historic England and Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission to share expertise in conserving cultural landmarks. A key part of the deal also involves promoting AlUla as a global cultural and tourist destination, with UK institutions supporting efforts to attract two million visitors annually by 2035 and contribute $32 billion to the local economy.
National Archive Partnership:
The UK’s National Archives signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture to support the growth of the Saudi National Archives. This partnership focuses on sharing expertise in documentation, recordkeeping, and archiving practices. It aims to strengthen institutional capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and help preserve Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical records. Through this collaboration, both countries are investing in the protection and accessibility of their shared and national heritage.
Royal College of Art and Effat University:
The Royal College of Art and Effat University in Jeddah signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a student exchange programme focused on art and design. This collaboration aims to nurture the next generation of creative leaders by offering students opportunities to learn in diverse cultural environments and engage in cross-disciplinary projects. By connecting talent and expertise from both institutions, the partnership strengthens creative education and supports the growing cultural and design sectors in the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Arts Residencies and Performances
Delfina Foundation:
London’s Delfina Foundation expanded its international residency programme to include Saudi visual artists, providing emerging Saudi talent with opportunities to develop and exhibit their work in the UK.
Manchester Camerata and Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU):
Manchester Camerata launched a music fellowship programme with the RCU, offering workshops and performances, including concerts at NEOM, as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in cultural and artistic development.
Cultural Institutions and Galleries
Art Jameel:
This independent organisation is headquartered in the KSA and the UAE and works globally with institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
For British professionals, Art Jameel presents opportunities to engage in Saudi-based projects and cover travel and accommodation fees, which may include providing support with matters such as visas.
For instance, Art Jameel is currently hosting a global open call for curators to submit exhibition proposals pertaining to the Red Sea, with the exhibition to be hosted by Hayy Arts in Jeddah.
The exhibitions hosted by Art Jameel also present opportunities to British artists. Its recent exhibition "We saw an endless cycle" saw works created by German photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg, American visual artist Pope.L, and UK artist John Smith.
Edge of Arabia:
Edge of Arabia is an artist-centred company offering "world-class cultural strategy and production in Saudi Arabia and the Arab World". It aims to connect and empower creative communities to positively impact society.
To date, Edge of Arabia has welcomed over 3,000,000 visitors to its exhibitions and events, distributed over 60,000 books and catalogues worldwide and reached a wider audience of over 10,000,000 through a dedicated communications campaign.
These examples reflect a broader trend: Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is not only growing, but actively inviting global collaboration to shape the future of arts, heritage, and creativity.
