What to expect at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

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(Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation)
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(Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation)
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Updated 16 February 2024
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What to expect at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

DUBAI: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s second Islamic Arts Biennale is scheduled to take place from January to May 2025 at Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The IAB is the first and only biennial dedicated to the arts of Islamic civilization.

Following the success of its first biennial, titled “Awwal Bait,” which attracted more than 600,000 visitors, the second event in 2025 will continue its exploration of themes by showcasing historical artifacts alongside contemporary art, including significant site-specific installations.




Aya AlBakree. (Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation)

Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, said: “As we build on our inaugural edition’s enormous success, I am delighted to welcome a stellar team of curators whose international experience will contribute immeasurably to inspiring fresh perspectives on Islamic arts discourse both globally and in Saudi Arabia.”

The directors of the second event are Amin Jaffer, Julian Raby, Abdulrahman Azzam and Muhannad Shono.

Jaffer, whose academic and curatorial work is focused on the meeting of European and Asian cultures, will return to his role as director of the Al Thani Collection.




(Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation)

Raby, a distinguished scholar and former lecturer in Islamic art and architecture at the University of Oxford, also served on the curatorial team of the first IAB.

Abdulrahman Azzam, an acclaimed author and historian, served as senior adviser to the Al-Madar exhibition and forum during the first biennale.  

Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, whose work deals with questions of spirituality and the role of imagination in shaping reality, will serve as contemporary art curator.




Muhannad Shono. (Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation)

With more than a total area of 110,000 square meters, with 12,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space, the biennale takes visitors on a journey through the objects, rituals, ideas and aesthetics that constitute Islamic arts in all its forms.

The Western Hajj Terminal has been repurposed as a cultural venue by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture.

The site holds deep significance for Muslims around the world, as millions of travelers pass through the airport each year to make the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah.


Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

Updated 24 February 2026
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Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

DUBAI: Australian Lebanese model and entrepreneur Jessica Kahawaty this week announced that she will serve as the storyteller for “A Night With The Legends,” a one-night musical tribute celebrating iconic women of Arabic music, taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 5.

Kahawaty will portray Scheherazade and deliver spoken narration during the program.

The evening will pay tribute to the legacies of Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Warda, Sabah, Asmahan and Layla Mourad.

Vocals will be performed by Lebanese vocalist Abeer Nehme, accompanied by the UK-based London Arab Orchestra under the direction of conductor Basel Saleh, alongside the London-based Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The program will also feature a 70-member all-female choir.

“I’m incredibly humbled,” Kahawaty wrote to her 1.8 million followers on Instagram. “As storyteller, I’ll be weaving history, memory and meaning into the musical experience in a one-night tribute celebrating the iconic women of the golden era of Arabic music.”

“I cannot wait to see you all there,” she added.

Kahawaty is also an entrepreneur. She co-founded fine jewelry label Kahawaty Jewels with her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, launching the Dubai-based brand last year as a continuation of the family’s longstanding craftsmanship tradition.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty previously told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

Kahawaty and her mother are also behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita. In July last year, the pair expanded the venture with the launch of a cookbook, which featured a cover endorsement from Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox.

Writing on Instagram at the time, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm and generous.”