The article explores Saudi Arabia's dramatic evolution, particularly with its embrace of tourism and culture, as evidenced by the international Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. The event, located in a large terminal designed for Hajj pilgrims, symbolizes the kingdom's pivot towards hosting global gatherings and art exhibitions. The influx of visitors, including pilgrims and political dignitaries, represents a new audience for art in a historic context. Furthermore, the display of significant historical manuscripts highlights Saudi Arabia's deep cultural heritage amidst its rapid modernization efforts.
All of this was on my mind as I headed toward the second Islamic Arts Biennale, installed across several stunningly high-ceilinged, fabric-clad enclosures in the Western Hajj terminal complex abutting Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport.
The choice of site was both shrewd and significant: The huge, semi-outdoor terminal, which resembles a field of tall-stemmed, dust-colored umbrellas, opened in 1981 as a transfer site for religious pilgrims.
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