His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visited the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty were members of the royal family.
His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq. Saudi Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Foreign Trade Dr Majid bin Abdullah Alkassabi as the Minister-in-Attendance was also present.
His Majesty toured several galleries including Bait: House of God Gallery, Almadar Gallery, Makkah Al-Mukarramah Pavilion and Madinah Al-Munawwarah Pavilion.
The Islamic Arts Biennale provides a platform to increase understanding of Islamic culture, civilisation and history. The biennale is the first of its kind to showcase over 300 contemporary and historical Islamic works of art from over 40 international institutions across the world as well as over 235 from Saudi Arabia including treasured artefacts from the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. The theme, ‘Awwal Bait’ or ‘First House’, references the First House of Allah the Almighty, namely the Kaabah in Makkah as the most holiest site in Islam and the direction of the Qiblat for Muslims.
