The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced the four architectural firms that have reached the final stage of the 2027 Prayer Space Award, which was launched by the foundation for the first time in 2024 with the aim of presenting future visions for spaces dedicated to prayer. The award returns in its second edition to form a major focus of the third edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, scheduled to open on November 1, 2027.

The competition called on participating architects to design a prayer space that is flexible and multifunctional, welcoming visitors from around the world.

The winning design will be built on the grounds of the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, designed by SOM and winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. After the conclusion of the Biennale, it will be moved to its permanent location in the JAX district of Diriyah, a creative area with an industrial heritage that increasingly attracts various creative industries in the heart of Diriyah. The competition encouraged the nominated firms to present a unified architectural concept for a prayer space that can be easily adapted to two different sites: the first is open and spacious under the canopies of the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, while the second features overlapping industrial spaces in the JAX district of Diriyah.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation explained that reimagining urban spaces and transforming them into vibrant cultural spaces that embrace the community and provide platforms for cultural exchange and collective experiences is an important part of identity. This is evident in the repurposing of industrial warehouses to become a hub for creativity in the JAX district and in the selection of the Western Hajj Terminal as a permanent home for the Islamic Arts Biennale.

She noted that within just two years, the Prayer Space Award has achieved a remarkable presence and widespread international acclaim, reflecting a global interest in spaces that offer areas for contemplation, meeting the needs of contemporary society while preserving authentic heritage elements. She pointed out that this edition saw the qualification of unique designs reflecting geographical diversity and ambitious visions from architectural firms deeply rooted in the urban landscape of the region. These firms presented distinguished readings of the social and material potential of architecture, which will contribute to the intellectual enrichment of the Islamic Arts Biennale and deepen visitors’ understanding of Islamic cultures.

The four firms were selected for their ability to balance the spiritual dimension with sustainable innovations, with each firm offering a different vision regarding the challenges of designing prayer spaces.

Diriyah

Diriyah is a historic town on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, known as the original home of the Saudi royal family and the first capital of the First Saudi State in the 18th century. It was a major center of power and learning, but was largely destroyed in 1818 by Ottoman forces. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif District in Diriyah has been restored as a cultural and tourist destination, showcasing its rich history and traditional Najdi architecture.

Islamic Arts Biennale

The Islamic Arts Biennale is a major cultural exhibition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that showcases historical and contemporary Islamic art. First launched in 2023, it is hosted at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, a site chosen for its connection to the pilgrimage routes. The event brings together artifacts from museums worldwide alongside modern works, exploring themes of faith, creativity, and cultural exchange across the Islamic world.

Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport

The Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a unique facility specifically designed to handle the massive influx of pilgrims traveling to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Completed in 1981, its iconic tent-like roof structure, inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, provides shade and natural ventilation for millions of passengers. The terminal is a marvel of modern engineering and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Jeddah

Jeddah is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a crucial gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its history dates back to the 7th century, when it was established as a key trading hub, and its old quarter, Al-Balad, features ancient coral-stone buildings and souks that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Today, Jeddah is known for its modern architecture, vibrant art scene, and as the commercial capital of the country.

King Abdulaziz International Airport

King Abdulaziz International Airport, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opened in 1981 and serves as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. Its iconic Hajj Terminal, designed as a massive tent-like structure, was built to accommodate millions of seasonal travelers. The airport is named after the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting its significance as a modern symbol of the kingdom’s development and religious hospitality.

JAX district

The JAX district, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub situated in the eastern part of the city. Its name is derived from the former Java Island, which was part of the Eastern Docklands, an area redeveloped from a historic port into a modern residential and commercial zone in the late 20th century. Today, JAX is known for its lively nightlife, diverse restaurants, and contemporary architecture, blending the area’s industrial past with a dynamic urban atmosphere.

Diriyah

Diriyah is a historic town located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is considered the birthplace of the First Saudi State, founded in 1744. It served as the political and religious center for the Al Saud family and the revivalist movement led by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, until its destruction by Ottoman forces in 1818. Today, Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and a major cultural site, with ongoing restoration preserving its mud-brick architecture and rich heritage.