As senior advisor and the executive producer, and part of the original senior management team at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation in Saudi Arabia, we developed, designed and delivered the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale.
The Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah is the world’s first biennale dedicated to Islamic arts and culture. At over 60,000 square meters – it is also one of the largest Biennales too.
Juxtaposing contemporary art with historical objects, the Biennale has quickly become – in just two editions, in 2023 and 2025 – one of the most critically acclaimed and visited Biennales in the world.
Find out more about the at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s website.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, 'And All That Is In Between'
The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale was titled ‘And All That is In Between’ – from the phrase “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale drew inspiration from that verse, exploring how faith is lived, expressed and celebrated. It spanned five exhibition halls and the vast outdoor spaces – presenting over 600 historical object and contemporary artworks.
The Biennale has become a global hub for Islamic arts and culture, showcasing treasures from prestigious worldwide institutions.
Find out more at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation website.
The Kiswa on display at the Islamic Arts Biennale. Part of the AlBidayah component of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Installation view of the AlMadar component of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale. Top: Timo Nasseri, Echoes of the Skies (2025). Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
View of the AlMidhallah exhibition component, the outdoor exhibition spaces, at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Installation view of the AlBidayah component of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale. Arcangelo Sassolino, Memory of Becoming (2024). Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2023, 'Awwal Bait'
The inaugural edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023 was titled ‘Awwal Bait’ (‘First House’) and explored the timeless rituals that define Islam. Rituals about movement, sound, and invisible lines of direction.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, custodian of the two holy mosques is the spiritual focus for Muslims across the world.
This Islamic Arts Biennale is situated at the gateway to Makkah, in the historic Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1981 and recipient of the 1983 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, each year this prestigious building welcomes millions of pilgrims making their way to the Ka’bah.
The Biennale brought historical works into dialogue with contemporary artworks by both Muslim artists and others whose work resonated with or echoed Islamic ritual and tradition.
Find out more at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s website.
The Kaaba door - the door to Awwal Bait at the 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Haroon Gunn-Salie's installation 'Amongst Men' at the 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Basmah Felemban 'Wave Catcher' at the 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale. Photo courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
