The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled And All That Is In Between, takes place in Jeddah at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport. Building upon the inaugural 2023 edition, Awwal Bait, which focused on Makkah’s spiritual significance, this edition expands its exploration to examine how faith and creativity intersect across time and space. With over 30 international institutions and more than 30 artists participating, the Biennale presents a comprehensive dialogue between historical Islamic artefacts and contemporary artistic expressions. The Biennale unfolds across four main sections, each offering a distinct perspective on Islamic art and culture.
AlBidayah (The Beginning): Exploring the Sacred
This section juxtaposes historic and contemporary works, highlighting objects associated with Makkah and Madinah. A key exhibit is the kiswah (ceremonial cloth) that covered the Ka‘bah in 2023–24 (AH 1445), displayed in its entirety. Alongside, modern installations reflect on the intangible aspects of the sacred, such as prayer, divine power, and illumination, inviting visitors to contemplate the intersection of the material and the spiritual.
AlMadar (The Orbit): Numbers in Islamic Art
AlMadar emphasises the role of numbers in Islamic culture and art, showcasing objects from over 30 institutions across 20 countries. Highlights include Evliya Çelebi’s map of the Nile River, on loan from the Vatican Library, displayed alongside historical maps of the Tigris and Euphrates. Contemporary installations complement these exhibits, exploring how numerical concepts have shaped both artistic and scientific traditions in the Islamic world.
AlMuqtani (Homage): Collections of Islamic Art
This section celebrates the contributions of major collectors, featuring works from the collections of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and Rifaat Medhat Sheikh El Ard. Exhibits include a gilded medieval suit of armour and intricately crafted jewelled objects, illustrating the diversity and craftsmanship of Islamic artistic traditions, particularly in metalwork and ornamentation.
AlMidhallah (The Canopy): Contemporary Installations
Under the vast canopy of the Hajj Terminal, AlMidhallah presents contemporary installations inspired by the concept of Islamic gardens, often seen as representations of paradise. Hayat Osamah’s Soft Gates is a key work, constructed from textiles collected in Riyadh, reflecting themes of community and cultural evolution. The installations in this section engage with historical narratives while addressing contemporary issues such as sustainability and social interconnectedness.
Additional Highlights
Pavilions of AlMukarramah and AlMunawwarah: Makkah and Madinah
Two permanent pavilions are dedicated to the histories of Islam’s two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah. Among the featured artefacts is a 13th-century CE Ka‘bah Key, crafted from copper and silver, symbolising the role of the Banu Shaibah as custodians of the Ka‘bah. These pavilions provide an in-depth exploration of the cultural and historical significance of these sacred places.
AlMusalla (Prayer Hall): A Modular Approach to Worship
AlMusalla reimagines the traditional prayer hall through a sustainable, modular design. The winning design of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize was created by EAST Architecture Studio in collaboration with AKT II and artist Rayyane Tabet. It features a structure inspired by regional weaving traditions and utilises waste materials derived from local date palm trees. The innovative design consists of an open central courtyard surrounded by prayer spaces, resembling a loom—a symbol of interconnectedness and spiritual unity.
This adaptable structure embodies key elements of Islamic prayer spaces, emphasising inclusivity, reflection, and community engagement. By merging tradition with contemporary sustainability practices, AlMusalla highlights the evolving relationship between sacred spaces and environmental consciousness in modern Islamic architecture.
Nicholas Fayad and Rayyane Tabet about AlMusalla
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale affirms its status as a central platform for Islamic arts, featuring works from institutions such as the Musée du Louvre (Paris), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), and the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Timbuktu). Through a diverse range of exhibits, commissions, and collaborations, the Biennale fosters dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary artistic practices, bridging the past and present in a dynamic cultural exchange.
With its rich array of exhibitions, public programs, and innovative installations, And All That Is In Between invites visitors to experience the profound interplay of faith, creativity, and artistic expression within the Islamic world.