Please check this page for all future updates related to the event including bus transportation and KAUST programs.

Curated by a world class team of experts across the fields of architecture, archaeology and anthropology, the Islamic Arts Biennale is a first-of-its kind exhibition that conveys a holistic perspective of the Islamic arts as a living tradition that connects past, present, and future.

KAUST is pleased to be an official partner for this event and is organizing a series of workshops in partnership with Diriyah Biennale Foundation, to further foster the art ecosystem in the Kingdom.

The Exhibition

The multi-sensory exhibition takes place at the Western Hajj Terminal at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from January 23 to April 23. It is open from 11: 00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays to Thursdays. Tickets are free for all.

Spread across 11,000 square meters of exhibition space, the architecture of the venue plays a key role in your experience as a visitor. You will embark on a unique and memorable journey through five galleries and two pavilions under the canopies, culminating in a space where the filtered sunlight, vast vistas and views of sky and desert evoke a communal sense of reflection.

Learn more

The Public Program

The Islamic Arts Biennale public program features a vast line-up of activities including workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, panel discussions, talks, seminars, performances and film screenings. These sessions are free of charge and open to all for booking. 

The Public Program enriches the local arts ecosystem by supporting creative talent and creating opportunities for interaction, exchange, collaboration and learning among local, regional and international artists and specialists in the field of culture and heritage.

Learn more here

KAUST Workshops

KAUST is pleased to be an official partner for this event and is organizing a series of workshops in partnership with Diriyah Biennale Foundation, to further foster the art ecosystem in the Kingdom.

Science to Watch

1. Interstellar – with Brian Hession, Research Planning and Partnership | Learn more
   Sunday, March 19 | 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
   
2. Gravity – with Dr. Thibaut Lery, Director of Research and Evaluation | Learn more
   Tuesday, April 11 | 10:00 p.m.
   

Lecture at the intersection of science and arts

1. The Library of Alexandria – with Mariusz Jaremko, Assistant Professor, Bioscience | Learn More
   Sunday, April 9 | 10:00 p.m.
   
2. Writing Verse as Constrained Optimization – with David Keyes, Professor, Applied Mathematics and Computational Science and Director, Extreme Computing Research Center | Learn more
   Monday April 10 | 10:00 p.m.

Workshop

1. Beit Al Jizan – with Myraida Rivera | Learn more
   Thursday, March 10 | 9:30 p.m.
   

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation will be provided to the event on Friday, April14.

• Departs KAUST from Tamimi parking lot: 8:00 p.m.
• Departs from event venue: 12:00 a.m.

Please book your spot on the bus as we have limited seating.