
Islamic Arts Biennale Draws Visitors with Diverse Cultural Events
The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is attracting visitors with a dynamic cultural program featuring interactive experiences and a variety of artistic showcases that highlight the rich history of Islamic arts.
The Biennale, held at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, has attracted large crowds from diverse age groups.
Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event features four interactive cultural paths, including the "Art Lab" that offers dialogue sessions, art studio visits, hands-on workshops, and professional courses, while the "Research Room" brings together artists and scholars for specialized lectures and discussions on artistic research. The "Studio Youth" provides educational lessons and creative workshops for families and young participants, and the "Biennale Encounters" facilitates conversations between artists and audiences on the relationship between art, society, and cultural transformation.
The cultural program also includes specialized exhibitions and workshops, with "Cinema Nights" – presented in collaboration with the Red Sea Film Foundation – offering film screenings that explore Islamic themes. Other activities entail courses in Arabic crafts, sculpture, and ceramic tile making, as well as a guided tour and discussion hosted by Al-Madar. A standout feature of the event is an interactive display of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, organized in cooperation with the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship behind the sacred cloth.