KAUST X Islamic Arts Biennale 2025
Public Programs

Join us this April for immersive KAUST’s workshops as part of Islamic Arts Biennale

KAUST is proud to be an Education Partner for the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, marking the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale where we have partnered with this prestigious event since the last Biennale in 2023. This extraordinary event celebrates Islamic culture, history, and contemporary artistic expression. 

Learn more

The Public Program 

The Islamic Arts Biennale public program features a vast line-up of activities including workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, panel discussions, talks, seminars, performances and film screenings. General admission is free of charge and open to all for booking. 

As part of KAUST’s commitment to education and cultural enrichment, we are hosting a series of workshops in collaboration with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, fostering artistic dialogue and supporting creative talent within the Kingdom. 

Register for upcoming workshops here. 

 

Upcoming Workshops

 

Bug-hotel

Build Your Own Bug Hotel 

In this workshop, participants will build Bug Hotels which are miniature habitats designed to attract and provide shelter, creating a welcoming environment for bees, butterflies, ladybugs and other essential insects that help sustain and nurture the ecosystem, supporting healthy local biodiversity.

Led by

Marika Panagiotou, Biodiversity Specialist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Dwain MacIntosh, Sustainability Coordinator - Edible Education Programme Director, TKS

Rahaf Bukhari, Edible Education Program - Elevate Intern, TKS
Register here

 

 

Corals-iab

Corals of Jeddah: Pillars of Life in the Red Sea

KAUST researchers will feature a self-guided exploration through printed content and interactive activities, and workshops/talks. 

Our goal is to highlight the social, cultural, and ecological significance of coral reefs to Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future, while showcasing KAUST’s pioneering contributions to coral reef conservation and restoration efforts. Through this initiative, we aim to foster greater public awareness and inspire collective action to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.

The exhibition aligns with the central theme of the Biennale, showcasing the natural geometric perfection of coral reefs. These intricate patterns mirror the artistic designs featured in the event, creating a captivating dialogue between nature and art.

More details coming soon

 

 

Build Your Own Bug Hotel

The Coral World: Ask the Scientists

Join our very own KAUST scientists Professor Francesca Benzoni, Professor Raquel Peixoto and Professor David Suggett as they engage in a roundtable talk discussing various aspects of the Coral World in the Red Sea. Facilitated by Professor Michael Berumen, this education program delivered at the Islamic Arts Biennale is sure to showcase the importance of Corals and how can protect them.

More details coming soon

 

 

Plants-of-quran

Plants of the Quran

Renowned author Shahina Ghazanfar who has supported work by KAUST Beacon Development will present a talk discussing her published book Islamic Plants in the Quran.

More details coming soon

 

 

sustanailble-food

Plants of the Quran and sustainable food practices

Author Shahina Ghazanfar and Ahmad Zaki Kamel, a key figure in the slow food and sustainability movement discuss Islamic Plants and how we approach food as well as highlighting the food in our region that are enjoyed all over the world today. This talk aims to grow appreciation within the local community to see food differently.

More details coming soon

 

 

Desert-plants

Art in the desert: The beauty of native plants in Saudi Arabia

Senior Botanist Eric Hopkins offers a presentation to showcase the beauty of native plants in Saudia Arabia both in the wild and in an urban setting. He will discuss biophilia aspects of encouraging nature in our surroundings.

More details coming soon

Bus Transportation 

 

Campus and Community (C&C) is offering free bus transportation on workshop days to make it easier for community members to attend the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Please note that limited seats are available, and advanced booking is required through the KAUSTCentral app.  

 

Join KAUST at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 and immerse yourself in an enriching journey of education, sustainability, and artistic expression.  

If you have questions, please email getengaged@kaust.edu.sa