Auction sales for artists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region rose 9.4% to $33.2 million in 2025, driven by increased activity from international auction houses and the emergence of new hubs like Riyadh. The Sotheby's 'Origins' sale in Saudi Arabia achieved $17.3 million, setting artist records, while works from Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq saw particularly strong gains, indicating a market rebalancing.
This growth reflects long-term, government-backed investments in cultural infrastructure across the Gulf, including the upcoming launches of Art Basel Qatar and Frieze Abu Dhabi. According to an ArtTactic report, 76% of experts are optimistic about the MENA art market's future, viewing it as built on sustained ecosystem development rather than short-term cycles. The region is transitioning from a historically under-documented market segment to one with increasing international visibility and price levels.