Art has a unique power to transcend boundaries, and the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale, titled ‘And All That Is In Between,’ is set to be a vivid showcase of faith, expression, and cultural dialogue. The upcoming 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale invites art lovers to dive deep into this intersection of spirituality and creativity. Scheduled to run from January 25 to May 25, 2025, in the culturally rich city of Jeddah, the Islamic Biennale promises a transformative experience that blends historical treasures with contemporary artistic expressions.
The Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, a site rich with memories for millions of Muslim pilgrims, will transform into an expansive gallery. This unique location underscores the Islamic Biennale’s mission to connect the past with the present, offering visitors a multi-dimensional view of Islamic arts.
This edition marks a significant expansion, showcasing over 30 esteemed global institutions and featuring more than 20 artists from around the world. Participating institutions hail from diverse countries, including Denmark, Egypt, France, Italy, Kuwait, and even the Vatican City. This international collaboration underscores the Islamic Arts Biennale’s ambition to bridge cultures and perspectives within the realm of Islamic art.
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale will utilize five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces across a sprawling 100,000 square meters of exhibition area. Each section will explore different facets of the overarching theme.
The exhibition will guide visitors through several thoughtfully curated components. AlBidaya (The Beginning)reflects on the sacred, displaying artifacts from Makkah and Madinah alongside contemporary art. AlMadar (The Orbit) showcases historical objects related to celestial navigation and Islamic culture’s mathematical concepts. AlMuqtani (Homage) highlights individual collectors’ contributions, presenting exquisite works from notable collections. AlMathala (The Canopy) offers an outdoor space exploring the significance of gardens in Islamic civilization. Dedicated pavilions, AlMukarramah and AlMunawwarah, honor the Kingdom’s guardianship of the holy cities, while AlMusalla features a new, versatile prayer space designed through the AlMusalla Prize.
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale is spearheaded by a dynamic team of artistic directors, including Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Muhannad Shono, who bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the project. Their vision aims to highlight the rich history of Islamic culture while contextualizing it within the rapid changes occurring in Saudi Arabia today.
The 2025 Islamic Biennale will feature works from artists such as Nour Jaouda and Fatmah Abdulhadi. This commitment to fostering artistic dialogue between the past and present is a cornerstone of the Biennale’s mission. At the heart of the exhibition will be a stunning array of historical objects from revered Islamic sites. These artifacts, presented alongside new contemporary commissions, will foster a dialogue about how faith is experienced and expressed across time and geography.
As the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale approaches, the anticipation is palpable. This event not only serves as a showcase for artistic excellence but also as a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and dialogue. His Highness Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, emphasizes that the Biennale aims to deepen the global understanding of Islamic arts’ influence, enhancing the appreciation of this rich cultural heritage.
