Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed to Lead Saudi Arabia’s Art Future with 2026 Diriyah Biennale
The third edition of the biennial will run from January to April 2026 at the JAX District, Diriyah’s recently founded creative precinct. Save to My Ocula
Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed will act as artistic directors for the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, with the hope to position Saudi Arabia as a global art hub.
Led by CEO Aya Al-Bakree, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue between Eastern and Western Asia.
‘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 centre for contemporary art,’ Al-Bakree said.
Meanwhile, the curators shared their vision of committing to ‘vibrant imaginations of world-making born through conditions of vulnerability and resilience’, aiming to explore ‘locally rooted histories and transformative knowledge’.
Razian, currently deputy director and head of exhibitions and programmes at Art Jameel in Dubai and Jeddah, has overseen exhibitions that explore the cultural and environmental landscape of the region.
Jeddah is also the host city for the ongoing Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, organised by the Diriyah Foundation.
Ahmed, a curator, cultural theorist, and educator, serves as Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai, with expertise in research-driven curatorial practice.
In 2021, Ahmed outlined Ishara’s vision of Global South transnationalism to Ocula, exploring ‘what the world looks like from different vantage points and what art from South Asia offers when presented in the U.A.E.’ —[O]
Main image: Sara Abdu, Now That I've Lost You In My Dreams Where Do We Meet? (2021/2024). Exhibition view: Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024: After Rain (20 February–24 May 2024). Courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Photo: Marco Cappellettii.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services