RIYADH.- Christie’s fine art and luxury business announces its participation as a leading Public Programming Partner at the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, taking place in Jeddah from 25 January – 25 May 2025. During the Biennale, Christie's will host three insightful programmes with experts and specialists from Christie’s speaking. Each programme will take place over the course of a day on-site and are open for registration in advance to those attending the Biennale. Attendance is free.


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Established by the Saudi Ministry of Culture in 2020, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation organized the first edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023, providing a platform to raise international awareness of Islamic arts and an unparalleled space for learning and research. The Biennale juxtaposes historical objects from Islamic cultures with newly commissioned artworks, exploring how faith is expressed, experienced, and celebrated.

This year’s edition is entitled ‘And All That Is Between’ a phrase that appears multiple times in the Noble Quran. The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale draws inspiration from this verse, presenting a profound exploration of how faith is lived, expressed, and celebrated. Across seven components, spanning five galleries and outdoor spaces (AlBidayah, AlMadar, AlMuqtani, AlMathala, Makkah al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and AlMusalla), the Biennale showcases over 500 historical objects and contemporary artworks, providing a platform to further enrich the Saudi Arabian arts ecosystem, creating numerous opportunities for international cultural exchange.

Nour Kelani, Managing Director, Christie’s Saudi Arabia comments, ‘It is a great privilege for Christie’s to be a part of the second Islamic Arts Biennale. We have hosted bi-annual auctions of Islamic Art for many decades, representing examples from the Middle East through to India, China, and Southeast Asia. The international reach of Islamic culture and its extraordinary craftsmanship continue to be highly sought after by collectors today. We look forward to sharing the expertise of our specialists within the programming schedule over the duration of the Biennale with clients and visitors from around the world’.

10 February - Programme One—The Art World Explained

Designed to de-mystify the art world’s complex ecosystem through interactive activities and expert-led discussion. Participants will gain unique insights into the relationships among public, private, and commercial sectors, and the career paths within them. Comprising two sessions: Mapping the Art Ecosystem and Art World Careers: Pathways and Perspectives. Speakers: Ted Sandling, Head of Christie’s Education EMEA and Toby Monk, Global Director of Recruitment at Christie’s.

14 April - Programme Two—Collecting with Purpose: From Passion to Legacy

Designed to guide collectors through the expertise of how to create a lasting art collection – from early acquisitions to building a legacy that endures. Comprising two sessions, the first of which will be Foundations of Collecting followed by Legacy and Transition: Sharing and Securing a Collection’s Future. Speaker: Marie-Claire Thijsen, Specialist and Head of Sale, Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art at Christie’s.

12 May - Programme Three—Behind the Scenes at an Auction House

This programme will offer an insider’s perspective on the journey of works of art through the auction process and provide a unique lens for exploring the works at the Biennale. Participants will engage directly with the practices, stories, and expertise that shape Christie’s role as one of the leading international fine art and luxury auction houses in the world. Comprising two sessions, The Journey of a Work of Islamic Art: From Consignment to Auction and a Tour of the Biennale Through the Eyes of a Christie’s Specialist. Speaker: Sara Plumbly, Director and Head of the Islamic and Indian Art department at Christie’s.

Visitors to the Islamic Arts Biennale will be able to register to attend the programmes via the Public Program link on the Islamic Arts Biennale website.



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