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Second Islamic Arts Biennale Set to Open in Saudi Arabia in January

Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
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Second Islamic Arts Biennale Set to Open in Saudi Arabia in January

Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale is scheduled to open on January 25 at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The biennale aims to present a captivating blend of timeless treasures of Islamic civilization and contemporary artistic creations, offering visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam that engages senses, intellect, and creativity.
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will lead the curation of contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.
Shono, alongside artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the participating artists with creating new pieces that complement historical Islamic artifacts.
The theme of this biennale, "And all that is in between,” encapsulates the essence of the contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions and cultural dialogues to foster a collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.
Many artists have found inspiration in timeless elements, seeking to captivate visitors with themes like space, time, and light. The artworks offer insight into ways of preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The new art pieces will be showcased alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor exhibition halls and various outdoor spaces under the canopy of the Hajj Terminal.
The works are inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blending nature and traditional design while tackling contemporary environmental and social issues.
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale will be held in seven sections: AlBidaya (the beginning), AlMadar (the orbit), AlMuqtani (homage), AlMathala (the canopy), Makkah al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and AlMusalla (the prayer hall), spread throughout various galleries and outdoor areas, on 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.

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Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
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Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)

Sumo will stage a tournament in Paris for the first time in over three decades next year in a push to expand the ancient sport beyond Japan, organizers said Sunday.

Accor Arena, which hosted basketball and gymnastics events at last year's Paris Olympics, will stage a two-day competition featuring top wrestlers in the French capital in June 2026.

Japan Sumo Association (JSA) officials announced last month that they will also stage a tournament later this year at London's Royal Albert Hall -- the first overseas sumo competition in 20 years.

"It's important for us to show our sport to the world," JSA chairman Hakkaku told reporters at Tokyo's Kokugikan, where the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is currently taking place.

"And for the wrestlers, they're the best in the world, they should be proud of that and see that they're admired all over the world."

Paris hosted sumo tournaments in 1986 and 1995 at the invitation of former French president Jacques Chirac, who was known to be a huge fan of the centuries-old sport.

Hakkaku, who competed at the 1986 Paris event, said he was "grateful for the long and deep relations between sumo and France".

"We feel renewed joy and great responsibility as we prepare for our third performance in Paris in 2026," he said.

"We are committed to fully sharing the charm of sumo... with the French people."

French organizers said they would pull out all the stops to recreate the atmosphere of a sumo tournament in Japan.

David Rothschild, promoter and executive producer for events organizers AEG, said the Paris tournament would be part of a "festival" celebrating Japanese culture.

"When you say the word sumo, everyone in France knows it represents traditional Japanese culture," he said.

"There was a time when it was shown on TV and there are people in France who are very knowledgeable about it," Rothschild added.

"But time flies and we want to introduce the beauty of sumo to a new generation."

Sumo has staged events in several countries around the world, including the Soviet Union, Mexico and the United States.

The last overseas tournament organized by the JSA was in Las Vegas in 2005.

Hakkaku, the JSA chairman, said the association's efforts to bring sumo to audiences abroad were meant to "introduce people to the traditional culture of Japan".

"We thought a lot about how to develop our sport after Covid and I think this was the best idea, but it was already in our plans before that," he said.