The Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has emerged as a groundbreaking event in the global art scene, offering a profound exploration of Islamic art and culture. The inaugural edition in 2023 set a high standard, and the 2025 Biennale, titled “And All That Is In Between,” has elevated the experience to new heights.
Hosted at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport—a site of deep significance for millions of Muslim pilgrims—the Biennale provides a unique backdrop that resonates with the themes of faith and spirituality. The choice of venue underscores the event’s commitment to intertwining art with the lived experiences of Islamic traditions.
The 2025 edition features an impressive array of over 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, more than doubling the content of its predecessor. These pieces are thoughtfully curated across five exhibition halls and expansive outdoor spaces, each designed to invite contemplation and dialogue.
The exhibition is divided into seven components:
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AlBidayah (“The Beginning”): This section invites visitors to contemplate the sacred, displaying artifacts from Makkah and Madinah that offer insights into the spiritual heritage of Islam.
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AlMadar (“The Orbit”): Focusing on celestial navigation, mapping, and mathematical calculations, this segment showcases how Muslim cultures have used numbers to comprehend and bring order to the divine creation.
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AlMuqtani (“Homage”): A tribute to significant contributions in Islamic arts, highlighting works that have shaped the cultural and artistic landscape.
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AlMidhallah (“The Canopy”): An outdoor exhibition space that provides a serene environment for large-scale installations and sculptures.
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AlMukarramah (“The Honored”): Dedicated to honoring the holy cities and their profound impact on Islamic culture and art.
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AlMunawwarah (“The Illuminated”): Showcasing artworks that reflect the enlightenment and knowledge emanating from Islamic teachings.
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AlMusalla: A specially designed prayer space that harmoniously blends traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary design, offering visitors a place for reflection and worship.
A highlight of this year’s Biennale is the first-ever public display of the complete Kiswah—the cloth that adorned the Holy Kaaba in the previous year—providing an intimate encounter with a sacred artifact. This presentation offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with an object of profound religious significance. The Biennale also features 29 newly commissioned works from over 30 artists hailing from Saudi Arabia and beyond. These contemporary pieces engage in a dynamic dialogue with the historical objects on display, bridging past and present through artistic interpretation. Notable international institutions, including the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, have lent works to the exhibition, highlighting the global appreciation and recognition of Islamic art.
The exhibition’s scenography, designed by the international architecture firm OMA, enhances the visitor experience with a thoughtful spatial narrative that complements the artworks and artifacts on display. The design seamlessly integrates the unique architecture of the Hajj Terminal with the thematic elements of the Biennale, creating an immersive environment that encourages reflection and engagement.
In addition to the visual feast, the Biennale offers a comprehensive public program featuring talks, workshops, and symposia. Initiatives such as Biennale After School and Biennale After Work aim to engage diverse audiences, providing opportunities for hands-on artistic exploration and learning. Weekly events, including Culinary Thursdays and Cinema Nights, further enrich the visitor experience, making the Biennale not just an exhibition but a vibrant cultural hub.
The Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of Islamic heritage and contemporary artistic practices. It is an event that not only showcases the richness of Islamic art but also invites the world to engage with the profound narratives that have shaped, and continue to shape, Islamic culture.
For those seeking to experience this confluence of history, art, and spirituality, the Biennale runs until May 25, 2025. It is an unmissable opportunity to witness the dynamic interplay between the past and the present, the traditional and the contemporary, all within a setting that embodies the spirit of Islamic culture.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 Credit: Marco Cappelletti courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation/Marco Cappelletti courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation