The third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 has closed at JAX District in Diriyah Governorate, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation under the theme "In Settlement and Travel", with 68 artists from more than 37 countries, at a cultural site adjacent to the historic At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The edition was curated by artistic directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed and addressed movement, migration and the cultural transformations that built historical ties between the Arabian Peninsula and different parts of the world, and their reflection in collective memory and contemporary artistic practice.

The biennale presented more than 25 new works commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, in an exhibition space of around 12,900 square meters with scenography by the Italian studio Formafantasma. The closing week included musical evenings, panel discussions and "Open Studios" programs, along with interactive activities in the outdoor spaces of JAX District.

The biennale is a new milestone in the foundation's series of art events, coinciding with work on an integrated master plan for JAX District led by the international design office OMA, which aims to raise the number of creative entities operating in the district to 215 across a total area of 78,000 square meters, strengthening its presence as a leading cultural and creative center in the Kingdom.

The edition featured a number of standout works, most notably the performance "Folding the Tents" by Mohammed Al Hamdan, the installation "A Volcano Over This Green Feather" by Petrit Halilaj and "Eternity's Homeland" by Théo Mercier, along with the "Maqamat" projects reflecting the field research of artists from several countries.

Aya Al Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, said public engagement was central to the success of this edition, noting that the biennale strengthened global artistic dialogue and cemented the Kingdom's presence on the international cultural scene.

The artistic directors said the edition's message rested on highlighting the values of continuity and cultural solidarity through multi-voiced artistic experiences that reflect the extension of inherited knowledge and its manifestations in contemporary contexts.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation also announced its preparations for the third edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, from 1 November 2027 to 1 March 2028.

At a Glance

  • Occasion: closing of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026
  • Theme: In Settlement and Travel
  • Venue: JAX District, Diriyah
  • Date: 3 May 2026
  • Artists: 68 from more than 37 countries
  • Newly commissioned works: more than 25
  • Exhibition area: around 12,900 square meters
  • JAX master plan: 215 creative entities across 78,000 square meters
  • Next event: Islamic Arts Biennale, Jeddah, 1 November 2027 to 1 March 2028