As they say all great things must come to an end, but let’s not let the blues set in, yet because the Islamic Arts Biennale is still here.
Can’t seem to decide where to go first? Here is everything to check out while its still here.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2025
As the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah draws to a close, a quiet nostalgia begins to settle in. Titled And All That Is In Between, this year’s edition offered more than an art exhibition—it was a spiritual and sensory journey across centuries and cultures. Hosted at the Western Hajj Terminal, this biennale has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most transformative cultural events. Before it closes its doors on May 25, 2025, here are ten remarkable things we’ll miss when it’s gone.
The Iconic Hajj Terminal as a Venue
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 turned the Hajj Terminal into a sanctuary for artistic contemplation. With its open-air canopies and spiritual symbolism, the setting created a profound connection between art and pilgrimage.
A First Look at the Entire Kiswah
Never before has the entire Kiswah—the sacred cloth covering the Kaaba—been exhibited outside of Makkah. Seeing it in its entirety was a historic and deeply emotional experience.
A Conversation Between Eras
This edition beautifully wove together ancient Islamic artifacts and bold contemporary artworks. Saudi and international artists reimagined tradition in new ways, making the past feel not only present but also urgent.
AlMidhallah’s Garden of Installations
One of the Biennale’s highlights was its 20 large-scale outdoor installations. Inspired by Islamic gardens, these artworks bloomed beneath the terminal’s roof, offering peace, movement, and inspiration.
Engaging Public Programs
From “Turuq” food symposiums and Culinary Thursdays to Sketching Saturdays and Cinema Nights, the Biennale invited visitors to engage with Islamic art through food, film, and family activities. It wasn’t just seen—it was experienced.
The Launch of the AlMusalla Prize
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 introduced the AlMusalla Prize—an architecture award recognizing spiritual space innovation. The winning concept reimagined prayer space using sustainable palm-based structures inspired by local heritage.
AlBidayah’s Powerful Opening
The journey began with AlBidayah—“The Beginning.” This section featured rare items from Makkah and Madinah, setting a tone of reverence and grounding visitors in the sacred context of what followed.
AlMadar: A Global Collaboration
Featuring works from over 30 international institutions, AlMadar showcased Islamic art as a truly global tradition. From Uzbekistan to Indonesia, Paris to Cairo, the section highlighted the universal language of faith-inspired creativity.
Platforming Saudi Creativity
With nearly 30 newly commissioned works, the Biennale amplified voices from Saudi Arabia’s thriving art scene. These works reflected themes of identity, migration, memory, and devotion—rooted in heritage, but reaching forward.
A Rare Sense of Sacred Awe
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a sanctuary. Visitors didn’t just admire art—they felt it. The experience lingered like incense: ethereal, contemplative, and deeply moving.
As we prepare to say goodbye to this extraordinary edition, what remains is a sense of transformation. The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 reminded us that art is more than expression—it’s devotion, memory, and presence.
Final Day to Visit: May 25, 2025
Until Sun May 25. Hajj Terminal, Jeddah International Airport. biennale.com.
If you want to learn more about the Islamic Arts Biennale happening in Jeddah, check out this article.
