Over the last few months, Jeddah has been host to the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale 2023, an exhibition showcasing some of the most beautiful and innovative works of art and hundreds of artefacts from around the Islamic world. As a public art service provider, we were thrilled to attend the event and explore the diversity of Islamic art.

The Biennale featured a diverse range of art forms, including calligraphy, sculptural, photography and multisensory installations. Each work of art was a unique expression of Islamic culture, heritage, and antiquity showcasing the diversity and complexity of the Islamic world. As we walked through the acclaimed Hajj Terminal, we were struck by intricate details, vivid storytelling, and a profound emotional resonance.

As we explored the different sections of the Biennale, we were struck by the sense of belonging and the shared values that underpin Islamic societies the world over. The theme, Awwal Bait, was very fitting in this sense evoking the notion that everything relates back to the birthplace of Islam.

Even with the diversity of the works on display, each artist achieved this common commitment to expressing the beauty and complexity of Islamic art and culture, and the interconnectedness we share not only as Muslims but as appreciators of art.