DIRIYAH — The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as the artistic directors for the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, which will take place in January 2026 in Diriyah, near Riyadh.
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, a premier platform for contemporary art in Saudi Arabia, continues to gain global recognition.
Razian and Ahmed, both distinguished figures in the art world, bring extensive experience in curatorial practices, cross-cultural dialogue, and innovative exhibition strategies.
Razian and Ahmed’s curatorial approach will center on themes of resilience, world-making, and the transmission of histories and knowledge over time.
Their vision for the 2026 Biennale aims to explore artistic interventions, archives, and participatory models that reimagine the future while reflecting on the past.
"We are honored to lead the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale," said Razian and Ahmed.
"This Biennale is rapidly establishing itself as a major global platform for contemporary art, and we envision a program that fosters vibrant artistic imaginations, rooted in diverse histories and knowledge systems."
The 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will be hosted at JAX District, a creative hub in the historic town of Diriyah, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.
Featuring works from Saudi and international artists, the Biennale will continue its mission of fostering dialogue and engagement within the local and global art communities.
Following the success of previous editions, Feeling the Stones (2022) and After Rain (2024) — which attracted over 340,000 visitors — the upcoming edition will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s role as a global center for contemporary art and creative exchange.
Nora Razian, currently Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions at Art Jameel, has led major curatorial projects at institutions including the Tate in London, Sursock Museum in Beirut, and Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai and Jeddah.
She specializes in interdisciplinary art programs that address climate change, archaeology, and contemporary cultural narratives.
Sabih Ahmed, a curator, theorist, and educator, has held leadership roles at Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai and Asia Art Archive.
His work maps modern and contemporary art across Asia, engaging with archives, artist collaborations, and cultural research.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation, led by CEO Aya Al-Bakree, is instrumental in Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation, to developing the arts and creative economy.
Al-Bakree commented: "Razian and Ahmed bring deep expertise in fostering artistic and curatorial exchanges between Eastern and Western Asia. Their leadership will be crucial in positioning Saudi Arabia as a dynamic force in contemporary art." — SG
