Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale Announces 2025 Opening Date

The highly anticipated second edition of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale will commence on January 25, 2025, organizers announced. This unique biennale, dedicated exclusively to the arts of Islamic civilization, will once again take place at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The event will span four months, concluding on May 25, 2025.

A Celebration of Islamic Culture in Saudi Arabia

The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale promises to be a grand celebration of Islamic heritage and culture. With five distinct galleries, the exhibition will seamlessly blend contemporary artistic expressions with historical artifacts, set against the backdrop of a vast outdoor space. This blend aims to create a dynamic dialogue between the past and present of Islamic art.

Two of the most significant cities in Islamic culture, Makkah and Madinah, will have dedicated pavilions that highlight their cultural and spiritual significance. The Homage Gallery will pay tribute to the patronage that has supported Islamic art throughout history, showcasing two major collections that reflect the high points of Islamic civilization.

Diverse Exhibitions and Global Perspectives

Returning from the inaugural biennale, the AlMadar gallery will once again spotlight the diversity of Islamic culture across the globe. This gallery was a highlight of the first edition and is expected to draw significant attention again in 2025.

The 2025 biennale will feature an esteemed international curator team, including Amin Jaffer, director of The Al Thani Collection; Abdulrahman Azzam, an author and historian from the 2023 AlMadar team; and Julian Raby, who also contributed to the inaugural event. This diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring a rich and varied exhibition.

Innovative and Inclusive Spaces

One of the standout features of the biennale will be a sustainably constructed prayer space, designed by the winners of the AlMusalla Prize international competition. Finalists include architects from the UAE, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The winning design, to be announced later this year, will create a modular room welcoming both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors, embodying the inclusive spirit of the event.

Spotlight on Contemporary Art

Muhannad Shono, a renowned Saudi artist known for his explorations of imagination and reality, will serve as the Contemporary Art Curator. Shono previously represented Saudi Arabia at the 59th International Venice Biennale in 2022, and his involvement promises to bring a fresh, thought-provoking dimension to the biennale.

Building on the success of the first exhibition in 2023, which attracted approximately 600,000 visitors and was extended due to popular demand, the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale aims to surpass these achievements. Visitors can look forward to a rich program of galleries, workshops, events, lectures, and more, all designed to engage and inspire.

Exploring Jeddah’s Cultural Heritage

In addition to the biennale itself, visitors can explore Jeddah’s historical sites, such as Bab Makkah and Al Balad, further enriching their cultural experience. The 110,000 square meter space at the Western Hajj Terminal will be an integral part of the event, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves fully in the art and culture on display.

The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale is set to be a landmark event, offering a comprehensive exploration of Islamic art and culture. With its blend of historical and contemporary works, international curators, and innovative spaces, the biennale promises to be an unmissable experience for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.