Diriyah: The Art Basel Awards has named the Diriyah Biennale Foundation as a medalist in the Museum and Institution category in the 2026 cycle of the awards, recognizing the foundation's outstanding contribution to contemporary and Islamic arts on a global stage. According to Saudi Press Agency, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation Aya Al-Bakree expressed the foundation's commitment to connecting artists, communities, and ideas across geographies. She stated that the award affirms Saudi Arabia's vital role in global cultural conversations. Launched by Art Basel in 2025, the Art Basel Awards are the world's first global honors dedicated to recognizing excellence across the contemporary art world. Medalists are selected based on four key pillars: vision and innovation, skill and execution, engagement, and broader impact. Founded in 2020 and chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation has emerged as a transformative force in the international cultural landscape. Through its two flagship recurring events, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Diriyah and the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, alongside the stewardship of the JAX creative district, the foundation is a significant driver of cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the world. The third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, titled "In Interludes and Transitions," and the fifth Biennale organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, is open until May 2, 2026.