Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled And All That Is In Between, concluded on May 25, 2025, after a four-month run at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, affirming its position as a leading global platform for Islamic arts.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the Biennale brought together over 500 historical and contemporary works across five exhibition halls and expansive outdoor spaces spanning more than 100,000 square meters.

With participation from 30 international institutions representing 21 countries, and featuring 29 new commissions, the event offered a rich exploration of Islamic culture through faith, time, and material heritage.

One of the most notable highlights was the first-ever public display outside Makkah of the complete Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba, shown alongside rare sacred artifacts from Makkah and Madinah.

The contemporary section, curated by Muhannad Shono, included standout works such as the AlMusalla Prize–winning structure by EAST Architecture Studio, made from palm fiber and partially featured in Venice as part of the Rooted Transience exhibition.

The Biennale’s closing symposium was marked by the announcement of several forward-looking initiatives by Rakan Altouq, Vice Chairman of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Assistant Minister of Culture. These include grants for joint research, a digitization platform to archive the exhibition’s works, and international conferences aimed at expanding knowledge-sharing on Islamic arts.

The Biennale also had a significant community and educational impact, with over 23,110 students visiting and more than 15,000 participants engaging in 446 public programs, including guided tours, symposia, and hands-on workshops. Notable cultural initiatives included Turuq, a culinary and cultural exploration of movement and trade, and MADE., a design forum connecting global creatives with Islamic traditions.

Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, praised the collaborative spirit behind the Biennale’s success. “The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale has surpassed expectations in its scale and impact. We are proud to have welcomed a broad and diverse audience, from local schoolchildren to international scholars.”