Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib visited the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation at the western Hajj terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah yesterday evening. The biennale, titled “In Between,” will run until May 25.
During his tour, the Minister was briefed on the prominent artistic and historical works showcased at the biennale, which includes over 500 archaeological pieces and contemporary artworks. These pieces display the rich heritage of Islamic arts and cultures, highlighting the Kingdom’s role as a global center for culture and arts. He also received an explanation about the artistic concepts presented at the biennale through seven main sections: The Beginning, The Orbit, The Collector, The Umbrella, The Honored, The Enlightened, and The Prayer Hall – bringing together historical treasures and creative expressions found in contemporary artworks.
The Minister strolled through the biennale halls, designed to provide a unique visual and cultural experience. The halls house a wide range of loaned works, including archaeological treasures, historical pieces, valuable Islamic artifacts, and artworks from prestigious institutions such as the Louvre (Paris) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London). Additionally, specialized collections in Islamic arts and cultures from institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art (Doha) and the Turkish Institute for Manuscripts (Istanbul) are featured. The biennale also brings together prominent institutions from across the Kingdom, including the King Abdulaziz Global Cultural Center – Ithra (Dhahran), the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowments Libraries (Madinah), and the King Fahd National Library (Riyadh).
