Jeddah Archives

As the Global Management and Execution Partner of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, Black oversaw a comprehensive scope of operations designed to ensure a seamless and deeply engaging experience for all visitors. From the initial guest experience study and development, every aspect of the visitor journey was meticulously curated including the management of tour guides and hosts, and the coordination of special events throughout the Biennale. Operational excellence was ensured through full venue management, cleaning and waste coordination, and strict adherence to health and safety protocols. Security and accreditation systems were implemented to manage both public access and VIP programs, complemented by efficient traffic and valet services to support the high volume of attendees.

The guest experience was further enriched through the supervision of food and beverage services, artwork handling and preservation, and the organization of curated visits for both pilgrims and school groups aligning with the Biennale’s mission to foster wide-reaching cultural engagement.
Black’s holistic operational model not only guaranteed logistical success but also enhanced the emotional and intellectual impact of the Biennale, making it a transformative celebration of Islamic arts and heritage.

With a dedicated team of 1,195 employees, the operational scale matched the ambition of the project. Audience engagement was a priority, with 7,900 on-site surveys conducted to gather valuable feedback and insights, further refining the visitor experience.
The event demonstrated strong national reach, with 80% of visitors being Saudi nationals, while maintaining a global perspective thanks to 20% international attendance. These results reflect the Biennale’s success in fostering both cultural pride and global dialogue.

The first of its kind in the world, the new Home for The Islamic Arts Biennale building complex was designed by award-winning duo BLΛCK and Giò Forma architects, partnering with F&M Middle East Engineering Consultancy for engineering consultancy. It is located at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, designed by SOM in 1981 and recipient of the 1983 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The Biennale’s architectural design concept is based on volumetric compositions inspired by the modularity of the existing tent canopy structures. The beauty of the Hajj Terminal lies in the dialogue between voids, volumes and their magical sense of depth and perspective; the Biennale celebrates these elements by framing views and breaking down volumes for a dynamic dialogue with geometry.

The winning design of the international competition consists of clusters of volumes in various sizes and proportions, stacked and arranged around a central water plaza to separate functions and to celebrate architectural rhythm and geometry. These volumes provide a variety of galleries which inspire artists to reimagine the space themselves. This complex’s role is to host and emphasize art, not to limit or overshadow it.

Through a dedicated and skilled team, BLΛCK executed the artworks production for the first Islamic Biennale. Starting from the artists’ vision and concepts, we developed the design for more than 40 artworks. From engineering to finishes and details, we managed the build-up process in a fully integrated way with the new building, the existing environment and the scenography design.

Since the very beginning of the Biennale Project, BLΛCK worked closely with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation to develop the exhibition’s operational plan. Enhancing the visitor experience was the main goal of the scope. BLΛCK was responsible for planning and executing all aspects of the exhibition: from ticketing to reports, from ushers and guides to security, from F&B design and management to venue management. VIP and special guest logistics were also managed by a dedicated team.

The visitor experience is one of our strongest areas of expertise and a core part of our business. While our approach is always 360-degree approach, it begins with the same key pillar.

The culture of the host country. Taking into consideration the culture of the host nation is always our starting point. The challenge in the teamLab operation is to bridge continents and make sure that a museum founded in Japan, with its heritage as a focal point, remains accessible to an audience with a different cultural perspective.

BLΛCK provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at enhancing venue operations and optimizing visitor experiences. This includes conducting in-depth studies to develop the guest experience, implementing effective communication strategies, and managing all aspects of the venue. Our services extend to ticketing systems, gift shop operations, and the coordination of ushers and security personnel to ensure a seamless flow of activities. Additionally, we oversee traffic management, regular maintenance, and the smooth operation of all on-site services, guaranteeing a memorable and efficient experience for every guest.

BLΛCK is responsible for developing the Museum’s communication strategy. This includes integrating the marketing and communication plan for teamLab Borderless Jeddah with new activities aimed at increasing the visibility and recognition of the new and innovative digital art museum, positioning it as a focal point that connects local and global artistic hubs within the broader redevelopment project of the Jeddah Historic District.

BLΛCK aims to continue the positioning journey of the Museum and the district as an innovation hub within the local art scene, striving to redefine conventional artistic experiences and establish the project as a reference point for contemporary art, both locally and internationally.

Persist in positioning teamLab Borderless Jeddah at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation and the Ministry of Culture’s initiative to establish the Kingdom as a leading global hub for art and culture.
 All images are courtesy of teamLab Borderless Jeddah © teamLab