The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 is Saudi Arabia’s flagship international art exhibition, bringing together contemporary practices from around the world under one expansive programme.
This third edition, titled In Interludes and Transitions / في الحِلّ والترحال, draws on movements, migrations and cultural transformations that continue to connect the Gulf region with the world.
More than 70 artists representing numerous countries will contribute works spanning visual art, sound, performance, film, architecture and research-based projects. The biennale presents both large-scale installations and newly commissioned works, turning the historic JAX District into a dynamic platform for critical reflection and global artistic dialogue.
The 2026 edition opens on 30 January and runs through to 2 May. Over these three months, visitors can explore the full exhibition and attend talks, performances and public programmes that weave contemporary artistic practice with ideas of memory, cultural exchange and collective experience.
The biennale is staged at JAX District in Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh. Once an industrial zone, JAX has been transformed into a creative quarter that sits beside the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, blending historic architecture with contemporary culture. Exhibitions and installations are spread across multiple venues within the district, inviting visitors to experience art alongside the evolving urban fabric of Diriyah.
Plan for more than one visit. With varied programmes and site-specific installations, the experience changes as you move through JAX’s architecture and its public spaces. Take time to explore performances and sound works as well as static exhibits. If you can, catch talks or guided tours that put the biennale’s theme into conversation with the region’s cultural lineage.
Visit: biennale.org.sa
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
