The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced details of its highly anticipated third edition, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 , which will launch on January 30, 2026, in the Jax Creative District of Diriyah. This international art event will bring together more than 65 artists and creators from 37 countries around the world, presenting their artistic visions under the theme “In Motion and at Rest,” a theme inspired by the movements, migrations, and transformations that have formed bridges of communication between the Arab region and other world cultures throughout history.
Rich cultural and historical context
The event is being held in Diriyah, which is not merely a geographical location, but the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical depth gives the biennial a unique context, where the rich past meets contemporary art. The biennial is taking place in the Jax district, which has become a vibrant hub for art and creativity in Riyadh, providing an ideal platform for showcasing modern and interactive artworks in an environment that celebrates innovation. The choice of this location reflects the Kingdom's commitment to integrating its rich heritage with its future aspirations and fostering dialogue between generations and cultures.
Strategic importance within Vision 2030
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennial holds significant strategic importance, aligning directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to enrich the cultural landscape, enhance the Kingdom's position as a global tourism and cultural destination, and develop the creative economy. Locally, the Biennial provides Saudi artists with an opportunity to engage with their international counterparts and showcase their work to a global audience, contributing to the development of local talent. Regionally, the event solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a leading arts hub in the Middle East, attracting artists, critics, and art enthusiasts from across the region. Internationally, the Biennial places the Kingdom on the global art map, offering a platform for intellectual and cultural dialogue on pressing global issues such as identity, belonging, and environmental and social transformation.
Collective imagination and diverse artistic visions
Under the artistic direction of Noura Razian and Sabih Ahmad, this edition features 22 new artworks commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Representing a diverse range of creative disciplines—artists, musicians, filmmakers, architects, and writers—the works explore themes of continuity, resilience, and collective imagination during times of transformation. Aya Albakri, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, explained that “the event will bring together artists from multiple generations, regions, and disciplines, resulting in a rich diversity of artistic experiences in Diriyah.”.
The Biennale is also distinguished by its elaborate scenographic design, executed by the renowned Italian design studio “Forma Fantasma”, which aims to create an immersive experience for visitors in which collective memory intertwines with contemporary experiences, in harmony that reflects the relationship between man, his environment and his imagination.
