Ministry of Culture Opens New Art Shows in Riyadh, Jeddah

The Ministry of Culture is expanding the Kingdom's arts calendar with a series of new exhibitions in Riyadh and Jeddah that bring together Saudi and international artists, part of wider efforts to grow the country's cultural and creative industries.

In Diriyah, Riyadh, Diriyah Art Futures will present CONTINUUM '26, a contemporary new media art exhibition featuring emerging Saudi and international artists, from 3 September to 7 November 2026. The venue sits in the Al Bujairi area on King Faisal Road and operates as a new media arts center under the Museums Commission. Entry is through online ticket booking, with digital tickets scanned on arrival and timed entry slots valid the same day.

Earlier in the year, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 takes place at the JAX District in Diriyah from 30 January to 2 May 2026. The flagship international show spreads curated exhibitions across multiple halls, with typical opening hours of roughly 10:00 to 22:00 and extended evening hours on weekends. Tickets are purchased online through the Biennale's official platform and presented at the venue on the chosen date.

Registration and ticketing for these Riyadh exhibitions are handled through official websites and dedicated event platforms, using standard online forms with email and SMS confirmations.

Jeddah's heritage houses

In Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), Balad Al-Fann continues as one of the Ministry's major contemporary art initiatives, with its second edition hosting exhibitions inside restored heritage houses such as Beit Barghouta, Beit Fatima Nawara and Beit Shuaib, spanning photography, crafts, Arabic calligraphy and artist-in-residence programs. The Dar Al Qalam residency in Al-Balad brings together 10 local and international artists around Arabic calligraphy.

Also in Riyadh, the Common Ground Festival at Misk City included an exhibition of 84 artworks by Saudi and Chinese artists at Al-Malfa Hall. Together, the programs give residents and visitors across both cities more ways to experience Saudi and global art in one season.

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