The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 opens with the theme "In Settlement and Travel"
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation inaugurated the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale on Thursday, 2026, under the theme "In Settlement and Travel." The event will welcome visitors to the Jax Creative District in Diriyah from January 30 to May 2, 2026, offering an exceptional cultural experience that blends heritage and modernity.
An artistic concept that transcends boundaries
This edition is distinguished by the artistic vision of directors Noura Razian and Sabih Ahmad, with the biennial drawing its themes from the concepts of movement, migration, and human transformation. The exhibition seeks to explore the bridges that have connected the Arabian Peninsula to the rest of the world throughout the ages, highlighting the intersections of collective memory, oral history, vocabulary, songs, and rhythms that have shaped the region's cultural identity.
Jax and Diriyah neighborhoods: Where history meets modernity
The selection of the Jax Creative District to host this event reflects the symbolic significance of the location, situated near the historic Al-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site represents a unique convergence of the rich heritage of the first Saudi state and the modernity of the current art scene. As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom is working to transform Diriyah into a global cultural and tourist destination, and the Diriyah Biennial is a key pillar in enhancing the Kingdom's soft power and highlighting its role as a hub for arts and creativity in the Middle East.
Innovative scenography and international participation
This year’s edition boasts a vibrant artistic scene, featuring 68 artists from over 37 countries, presenting diverse perspectives through more than 25 newly commissioned artworks. The exhibition’s scenography, designed by the Italian design studio Forma Fantazma, reinterprets the industrial architecture of the Jaxx district through visual interventions based on color and form, creating interwoven pathways that guide visitors on a visual journey across 12,900 square meters.
A unique sensory and musical experience
The biennial focuses particularly on the musical dimension and the role of auditory heritage in documenting social history. Among the most prominent works presented is the performance piece “Folding the Tents” (2026) by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Hamdan, which connects ancient caravan rituals with modern mechanical transformations through a procession of “Shas” vehicles in Wadi Hanifa, concluding with a performance by the “Abdullah Miniawi Trio.”.
Promoting sustainable cultural dynamism
Professor Aya Al-Bakri, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, confirmed that this edition marks the fifth biennale organized by the foundation, reflecting the continued artistic output and growing centers of creative thought in the Kingdom. This event contributes to strengthening the creative economy and creating platforms for global cultural dialogue, as the exhibition invites the public to engage with a world characterized by constant movement, not as isolated entities, but through the intersecting paths of human relationships.
