Series: Art of Being
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has officially unveiled the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled And All That is in Between. Running from now until May 25, 2025, this remarkable exhibition takes place in the historic city of Jeddah, a cultural crossroads that has welcomed pilgrims and travelers for centuries. Held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport – a location steeped in the spiritual journeys of millions of Muslims – the Biennale serves as a profound exploration of faith through art, creativity, and tradition.
Jeddah’s Western Hajj Terminal is an emblematic choice for the Biennale. This space, imbued with the hopes and prayers of countless pilgrims embarking on Hajj and Umrah, forms a poignant backdrop for an exhibition that intertwines the spiritual and the artistic. By juxtaposing historical artifacts from Islamic cultures with contemporary creations, And All That is in Between delves into how faith is experiences, expressed, and celebrated across generations and geographies.
The title itself, inspired by the Quranic verse “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between”, reflects the divine majesty of creation as perceived by humankind. This theme is brought to life through five expansive exhibition halls, outdoor spaces, and over 500 historical and contemporary works, inviting visitors to explore humanity’s enduring quest to comprehend the divine.
Under the direction of an exceptional artistic team – including Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Saudi curator Muhannad Shono – the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale has grown significantly in scope and ambition. This year, the Biennale features contributions from over 30 artists and 29 newly commissioned works, underscoring the Foundation’s mission to highlight Saudi talent while fostering dialogue with international perspectives.
Loans from world-renowned institutions elevate the Biennale’s global stature. Highlights includes contributions from the Musée du Louvre (Paris), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Museum of Islamic Art (Doha), and the Ahmed Baba Institution of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Timbuktu). Saudi Arabia’s own cultural treasures are well represented, with significant contributions from Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Wagf Libraries Assembly, and the King Fahd National Library.
Among the standout exhibition is the first-ever display of the entire Kiswah, the ornate cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba, outside of Makkah. This unique Kiswah, which adorned the Kaaba last years, offers a rare opportunity for visitors to witness a masterpiece of devotion and craftsmanship up close.
The Biennale is structured around seven thematic sections – AlBibayah (The Beginning), AlMadar (The Orbit), AlMuqtani (Homage), AlMidhallah (The Canopy), AlMukarramah (The Honored), AlMunawwarah (The Illuminated), and AlMusalla. These narratives unfold across 100,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, offerind visitors a journey that is as spiritual as it is artistic.
Public engagement is a cornerstone of this edition, with an array of programs designed to inspire creativity and reflection. Highlights include Biennale After School and Biennale After Work, which offer hands-on art workshops for children and adults alike. Additional talks, workshops, and symposia throughout the exhibition period aim to deepen the connection between visitors and the artworks on display.
A Celebration of Culture and Faith
The Islamic Arts Biennale is not just an exhibition; it is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural innovation and the global significance of Islamic art. As part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s broader mission, the event showcases the depth and diversity of Islamic heritage while creating a platform for contemporary expression.
Whether through the innovative works of Saudi and international artists or the unprecedented display of sacred artifacts, And All That is in Between bridges the past and the present, offering a space where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist.
At DASSARIS, we celebrate the art and culture that define human experience and connect us to our roots. Explore more about the Biennale and other cultural events in our Art of Being series, where faith, fart, and creativity come together in stories that inspired illuminate.
