Third Islamic Arts Biennale Set for November 2027 in Jeddah

The third edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale will take place from November 1st, 2027 to March 1st, 2028 at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, according to the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

The Foundation stated that the 2027 edition will deepen curatorial exploration and experimentation in the study and display of Islamic arts, while expanding collaboration among collecting institutions, artists, artisans and scholars. As in previous editions, historical works—some presented publicly for the first time—will be shown alongside contemporary commissions.

Earlier editions of the biennale presented more than 500 historical objects drawn from over 40 institutions across more than 20 countries. The second edition saw the number of participating institutions triple compared to the inaugural event.

Strategic cultural partnerships with Saudi institutions, including the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, the King Abdulaziz Waqf Libraries Assembly and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), supported key presentations in earlier editions, including the first full display of the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba outside Makkah in 2025.

In parallel, AlMadar—an initiative conceived by the Foundation to extend the biennale beyond a periodic exhibition—will evolve into a year-round platform built on four pillars: AlMadar Exhibition with public programming at each edition; AlMadar Digital for research and storytelling; AlMadar Initiatives including symposia, talks and workshops; and AlMadar Community, connecting participating institutions.

The AlMusalla Prize, launched in 2024 as an international architectural competition focused on spaces of worship, will continue as part of the programme. The 2027 edition will be led by a multidisciplinary team selected through a call for proposals and committee evaluation, drawing on expertise across archaeology, architecture, art history, contemporary art and cartography.