A visionary leadership for Saudi Arabia’s premier art event
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) has unveiled its artistic directors for the highly anticipated third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (DCAB), set to take place in January 2026 in Diriyah, near Riyadh. Appointed to lead this global art platform are Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, two distinguished figures in the contemporary art world, whose expertise in curating groundbreaking exhibitions will shape the Biennale’s vision.
Meet the curators: A fusion of regional and global perspectives
Nora Razian, currently serving as Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at Art Jameel (Dubai and Jeddah), brings a wealth of experience in delivering ambitious exhibitions and curatorial programs. Her past projects have engaged deeply with themes such as environmental change, contested histories, and the evolving role of public art.
Joining her is Sabih Ahmed, a curator, cultural theorist, and educator, currently working as Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai. His research-driven approach to contemporary art has fostered connections across Asia, building a curatorial practice that intertwines artist collaborations, archives, and pedagogy.
Their appointment signals a commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding Saudi Arabia’s presence as a global hub for contemporary art.
CEO’s vision: Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s art scene
Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the curators’ leadership, stating:
“We are thrilled to welcome Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as the artistic directors of the third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. Their collective expertise in curating transformative exhibitions, coupled with their ability to bridge artistic practices across Eastern and Western Asia, aligns perfectly with our mission to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global center for contemporary art.”
A Biennale rooted in history and innovation
Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Diriyah, the 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will take place at the JAX District, an industrial-heritage site that has been revitalized into a creative hub. Featuring artist studios, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, the district has become the heartbeat of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning contemporary art scene.
Following the success of the 2022 edition, “Feeling the Stones” (curated by Philip Tinari), and the 2024 edition, “After Rain” (curated by Ute Meta Bauer), the upcoming Biennale promises to build on its legacy of fostering dynamic artistic exchanges.
Razian and Ahmed have outlined an ambitious curatorial vision that seeks to explore how local histories and global narratives intersect through contemporary art. Their approach will emphasize “world-making through conditions of vulnerability and resilience,” bringing together diverse artistic interventions, participatory models, and archival explorations.
A platform for dialogue, imagination, and transformation
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is Saudi Arabia’s most significant contemporary art event, attracting over 340,000 visitors in previous editions. It serves as a crucial meeting point for local and international artists, curators, and art enthusiasts, fostering dialogue amid the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
With Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed at the helm, the 2026 edition promises to push boundaries, spark critical conversations, and position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global contemporary art ecosystem.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Biennale’s program unfolds, shaping the future of art in the region and beyond.
