The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as artistic directors for the 3rd edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale.
Razian is the Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at Art Jameel in Dubai and Jeddah, while Ahmed, a curator, cultural theorist, and educator is a Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai. Both Razian and Ahmed have extensive experience organising large-scale contemporary art exhibitions. Ahmed’s curatorial practice has seen him work with archives and collaborate with artists throughout Asia, while Razian has expert knowledge of the MENASA region’s art scene, having worked with major institutions to develop extensive programmes.
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will run from January to April 2026 at the JAX District in Diriyah. The biennale seeks to explore the role of contemporary art in Saudi Arabia in a time of fast-moving social change. With works by both local and international artists, the biennale provides a space for exchange between many key players of the worldwide art scene, including artists, curators, and audiences.
Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation: “We are thrilled to announce Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as the artistic directors of the third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. Their combined expertise in developing ambitious exhibitions and building cross-cultural dialogue between Eastern and Western Asia, along with their deep understanding of regional and international art scenes, will be instrumental in furthering our mission to position Saudi Arabia as a global center for contemporary art.”
