The Diriyah Biennale Foundation launched Biennale Nights, a special program for Ramadan at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. This event takes place at the Western Hajj Terminal, King Abdulaziz International Airport. It runs until 25 May, 2025, and offers a cultural and spiritual experience to celebrate the holy month.
During Ramadan, guests can join workshops featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship. They can also explore interactive experiences that highlight artistic expressions related to the holy month.
Ahmed Ramadan, a visitor, shared his excitement: “This was my first time at the Islamic Arts Biennale. I had planned to come for a while. When they announced the Ramadan events, I was thrilled. There is a strong link between Ramadan activities and Islamic arts. I came with friends and found many engaging options for young people.”
Culinary Delights and Games
Ramadan activities also included group games and a variety of delicious foods. Guests enjoyed traditional Saudi dishes and popular Ramadan sweets. “It was a wonderful experience,” Ahmed said. He continued, “The timing was perfect, after the busy initial days of Ramadan. It was a great chance for my friends and me to gather in such a unique place.”
From 6-15 March, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. This lively market features a mix of activities and attractions. Guests can savor international cuisines, enjoy specialty delicacies like dates and chocolates, and drink traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
The market also offers henna art, storytelling sessions for children, and engaging games. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere and participate in live music and cultural performances. Unique Ramadan-themed gifts are available at the Biennale Design Store.
Visitor Experiences
For many, the Ramadan Market has been unforgettable. Walaa Ali from Jeddah noted, “The venue provided diverse activities tailored to Ramadan. These activities matched the spirit of the month and included workshops, entertainment, and food.”
Rowa Haddad from Makkah said, “This is the perfect place for families. The activities cater to everyone, and the spiritual Islamic theme enhances the experience. Visiting this venue was an excellent choice for us.”
In partnership with the Red Sea Film Foundation, the biennale offers curated film screenings. These films explore themes of resilience, faith, and identity from the Islamic world. Participants engage meaningfully with art, culture, and heritage through a blend of traditional Islamic aesthetics and contemporary artistic expression.
The Ramadan Market features iftar and suhoor options, including special iftar menus for pre-booked gatherings. These menus showcase dishes inspired by Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Join the Celebration
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. It is located at the award-winning Western Hajj Terminal, an architectural gem and a gateway for pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah.
The first biennale attracted over 600,000 visitors. The second biennale builds on this success with an even richer program. All biennale visitors can attend the Ramadan events. Registration is available through the official website.
