The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah stands as a celebration of Islamic artistic heritage, bringing together masterpieces from across the Muslim world. Among its most anticipated sections is AlMuqtani, an exhibition that pays homage to two renowned art collectors: Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and Rifaat Medhat Sheikh El Ard. Their collections, showcased in this edition of the Biennale, offer a profound insight into the artistic, cultural, and historical depths of the Islamic world.
The Al Thani Collection, founded by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani of the Qatari royal family, is known for its craftsmanship and rare materials. Encompassing over 5,000 objects spanning diverse civilisations—including Islamic, European, Chinese, and Mesoamerican works—the collection reflects Sheikh Hamad’s lifelong passion for art. His dedication to preserving and sharing Islamic art has made this exhibition particularly significant, as it marks the first time a selection of his collection’s Islamic masterpieces is displayed in the Middle East.
From Umayyad metalwork and Mamluk glass to Ottoman textiles and Safavid miniatures, the exhibition presents a journey through nearly 1,000 years of Islamic artistic excellence. Sheikh Hamad has expressed particular admiration for Umayyad and Mamluk art, viewing these periods as the golden ages of scientific innovation and cultural exchange. One of the exhibition’s highlights is an inlaid metal dish with Nilotic scenes, considered one of the earliest known Islamic artworks commissioned by a royal patron.
The Al Thani Collection is particularly celebrated for its Mughal treasures, showcasing artistic achievements from India’s imperial courts. Among the standout pieces is the Cup of Jahangir, the earliest known Mughal jade inscribed by the master calligrapher Sa’ida Gilani. The collection also includes jewel-encrusted objects, such as a golden parrot with rubies and emeralds, which was once part of the royal ceremonies of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
Another exquisite piece is the Mahin Banu Dish, a rare Ming Dynasty porcelain that was once owned by Princess Mahin Banu of the Safavid dynasty and later Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal. This dish symbolises the extensive artistic and cultural exchanges between China, Persia, and India.
The AlMuqtani section at the Islamic Arts Biennale does more than display art—it fosters a dialogue between past and present. Through meticulously curated pieces, the exhibition emphasises the materiality, beauty, and craftsmanship that define Islamic artistic traditions. It also presents a counterpoint to the sacred and intellectual themes of the Biennale’s other galleries, inviting visitors to appreciate art as a unifying force across civilisations.
Sheikh Hamad’s dedication to preserving and sharing Islamic heritage aligns with the mission of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which seeks to honour Islamic culture while fostering global appreciation and understanding. His words resonate:
“We are only ever custodians of these historic objects, and it is hugely rewarding both to look after them and to make sure that they are shared with a wide public audience.”
With the support of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and figures in the art world, the AlMuqtani section stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic art.