The Cultural Spaces Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Blossoming Art Scene

As the kingdom’s burgeoning art scene gains regional and global momentum, the spaces shaping this pivotal cultural moment become integral to its survival. From art galleries and collaborative spaces, local and regional artists are carving out spaces for an emerging narrative, deeply rooted in the kingdom’s artistic heritage and loaded with contemporary and futuristic elements.

The ancient Saudi city of AlUla recently hosted the AlUla Arts Festival, housing a standout exhibition celebrating the iconic Andy Warhol. Along with Riyadh’s Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and Jeddah’s Islamic Art Biennale, these are just some of the festivals and events positioning each city’s distinct character and history in the heart of a rising culture.

We’ve compiled a list of the spaces and galleries that will help you navigate the kingdom’s artistic zeitgeist...

ATHR GALLERY | Jeddah & AlUla

Since it was founded 14 years ago by Hamza Serafi and Mohammed Hafiz, the Jeddah-based art gallery has played a crucial role in establishing Saudi Arabia's contemporary art landscape, and recently set foot in AlUla with Athr Gallery AlUla. The AlUla art space opened in 2022 and has since become a hub for artists whether through exhibitions, workshops or collaborative classes.

DARAT SAFEYA BINZAGR | Jeddah

Artist Safeya Binzagr is regarded as a pioneer in the Saudi Arabian fine arts movement. Her long career as an artist began in 1968 when she exhibited her first show at Dar al-Tarbiya high school in Jeddah. She became the first artist in Saudi Arabia to have her own museum when she opened the Darat Safeta Binzagr gallery in 2000.

HAFEZ GALLERY | Jeddah

Founded in 2014, Hafez Gallery is known for its arts programme, exhibitions and showcases featuring the work of young local and Middle Eastern talents. The gallery is focused on modern and contemporary styles, immersing visitors in playful yet layered exhibition experiences.

DESERT DESIGNS ART GALLERY | Jeddah

Initially a desert tent, the Desert Designs Art Gallery later transformed into a modern gallery space on King Abdullah Street housing Bedouin artworks, tribal-inspired creations and contemporary pieces. The gallery is a family-run business founded in 1990, and has stepped away from traditional Islamic art into a contemporary approach over the years.

ROCHAN FINE ARTS GALLERY | Jeddah

A plethora of local contemporary artists’ works occupies Rochan Fine Arts Gallery, founded over 30 years ago by Talal M Kurdi. As a young architect, Kurdi returned to his homeland driven by a passion for art and architecture which led him to create a space that over the years became one of the kingdom’s most famous artistic hubs.

NAILA ART | Riyadh

More than just introducing Saudi audiences to the global art scene, the Naila Gallery serves as a platform for young local artists. It provides a complete showroom of regional artistic innovation through a series of temporary exhibitions organised in collaboration with foreign cultural institutions, as well as its collection. It also serves as a training facility and promotes the growth of the Saudi art scene through workshops, seminars, and other activities.

L’ART PUR | Riyadh

L'Art Pur Gallery is one of Saudi Arabia's largest galleries, spanning 540 square metres. The venue, which opened in 1999, resembles a cross between a gallery and a museum. The gallery takes pride in assisting young, local artists by providing them with a venue to display their work. It has also featured exhibitions by renowned Saudi Arabian and international artists.

DAWI GALLERY | Al Khobar

Dawi Gallery encourages amateur and professional fine art artists, as well as supports and develops the innovative and artistic movement in the eastern region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a whole. Founded by artist Madawi Binf Mansoor Albaz, the gallery offers art exhibitions, fine art courses, seminars and regular visitations along with painting classes for children, contributing to the growth of the kingdom’s new generation of artists.

HAYY JAMEEL | Jeddah

Named after the word ‘Hayy’, which means ‘neighbourhood’ in Arabic, Hayy Jameel is all about fostering a community of artists across various disciplines. The dedicated arts complex and creative hub opened in 2018, and hosts various educational programmes, film screenings, experimental exhibitions and a year-round programme.