Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed Appointed Artistic Directors for 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale

The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has announced Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as its artistic directors for the third edition, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for contemporary art.

Led by CEO Aya Al-Bakree, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue between Eastern and Western Asia. “Their combined expertise in developing ambitious exhibitions and building cross-cultural dialogue, along with their deep understanding of regional and international art scenes, will be instrumental in furthering our mission,” Al-Bakree stated.

Razian, currently Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at Art Jameel in Dubai and Jeddah, has played a key role in curating exhibitions that explore the region’s cultural and environmental landscape. Ahmed, a curator, cultural theorist, and educator, serves as Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai, specializing in research-driven curatorial practices.

The curators shared their vision for the upcoming biennale, emphasizing a commitment to “vibrant imaginations of world-making born through conditions of vulnerability and resilience,” with a focus on locally rooted histories and transformative knowledge.

The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 will take place amid a growing cultural scene in Saudi Arabia, with Jeddah also hosting the ongoing Islamic Arts Biennale 2026, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

Portraits of Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 curators (left to right): Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed. Photo by Daniella Bapista and Jalal Abuthina. Courtesy the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.