Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah city is gearing up to host its first-ever contemporary art auction, titled Art for Al-Balad, whereby the works of 40 Saudi and Arab artists will be on offer. The Saudi Ministry of Culture and auction house Christie’s are slated to hold a special charity auction of contemporary Middle Eastern art on June 26. Proceeds from the event will benefit a new heritage museum in Jeddah’s historic district and a children’s non-profit organization also in the city. Commenting on how the auction benefits the state-supported cultural development campaign, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah said: “A dedicated Al-Balad Museum is an important cause that will play a crucial role in historic Jeddah’s preservation and regeneration. It will showcase a part of Saudi Arabia’s heritage to a wide audience and ensure that culture is embedded into Saudi citizens’ everyday lives for generations to come.” The auction will be held in Jeddah’s historic district. More specifically, it will take place at the Nassif House, which has its own heritage value. Built in 1872, Nassif House served as the royal residence of Saudi Arabia’s founder Abdulaziz Ibn Saud upon his entry to the city in 1925. As reported by the state-owned official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), authorities in the kingdom are keen on restoring and preserving buildings with cultural importance, carrying out renovations frequently. Other than Nassif House, historic landmarks like Ayn Farj Yisr, Matbouli House Museum and Al-Shaffi mosque receive state care. Al-Balad, situated on Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea coast, boasts of 600 buildings dating back to the 19th century – including traditional tower houses with distinctive wooden tops – and is one of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kingdom.