What do biennales and auctions mean for the future of Saudi Arabia?

The Islamic Art Biennale is the first biennale dedicated exclusively to Islamic art. It tells a story that spans centuries, continents, and cultures. It is a celebration of Islamic art and a blueprint for how culture can drive economic growth, promote global dialogue, and preserve heritage.

With contributions from institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Bruschettini Foundation for Islamic and Asian Art, the biennale is a living archive of Islamic heritage. The event, held in Jeddah, brought together a collective of cultural luminaries, serving as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy.

Biennales influence social ecology by shaping cultural discourse and encouraging cross-cultural exchange. There are roughly 240 biennales worldwide, and each one serves a purpose. Some market cities, others boost tourism, and many help consolidate cultural infrastructures in metropolises.

For smaller towns, biennales invariably act as a spotlight, repositioning them on the cultural map. Biennales, in essence, wield strategic influence — a form of soft power that creates meaningful connections on a global scale.

The Islamic Art Biennale, however, is in a league of its own. It is putting Jeddah on the map, and it is redefining what a biennale can do. By hosting the event at the Hajj Terminal — a site that won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983 — the biennale creates a communal space where visitors can engage directly with Islamic art and each other. By making use of existing structures like the Hajj Terminal, the biennale preserves heritage and sets the stage for a resurgence of cultural and economic activity in the region.

By bringing global art markets to the region, such events create opportunities for local artists, dealers, and patrons, fostering a vibrant cultural and creative economy.

Biennales are economic engines, and the Islamic Art Biennale is no exception. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services all benefit from the influx of visitors. Cities hosting these events often experience a surge in employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. These ripple effects frequently lead to urban regeneration, transforming areas into thriving cultural hubs. Improved infrastructure and the development of cultural facilities leave a lasting legacy, making cities more attractive to visitors, investors, and residents alike.

The Islamic Art Biennale also displays the growing ecosystem of art and culture in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom recently hosted its first auction, a significant milestone in its cultural evolution. This event was Sotheby’s inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the global art market.

By bringing global art markets to the region, such events create opportunities for local artists, dealers, and patrons, fostering a vibrant cultural and creative economy. Sotheby’s went the extra mile to ensure accessibility and engagement; they also hosted an enlightening series of talks on the history of Middle Eastern art. In an increasingly digital world, the Islamic Art Biennale and the Sotheby’s sale remind us of the enduring power of face-to-face interaction. It is about the conversations they spark, the connections they foster, and the communities they build.

The real challenge lies in ensuring that these events leave a lasting legacy. From my experience, I have seen that the success of such initiatives requires careful planning, strategic investment, and a deep understanding of their long-term implications. The key is to build a sustainable cultural infrastructure — one that nurtures local talent while attracting global attention. And if the early signs are anything to go by, the Kingdom is passing with flying colors.

But the real question is: what comes next? How does Saudi Arabia build on this momentum? How does it ensure that these events are part of a broader cultural strategy that positions the Kingdom as a global leader in the arts? These are the questions that will determine the long-term impact of cultural initiatives. And in a world that’s constantly changing, the answers will shape not just Saudi Arabia’s future but the future of international culture itself.

• Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @ GhadahWA