The Year of the Dragon ended with unexpected upheavals in South Korea and Syria. The impacts are likely to ripple through East and West Asia, respectively, in 2025. 

In spite of the tragedies consuming the Levant from Gaza to Beirut, Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a cultural destination continues apace. The second Islamic Arts Biennale opens on January 25 in the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. As part of the mega event, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation has commissioned new works by more than 20 Saudi and international artists including Nour Jaouda and Charwei Tsai. On the commercial front, Sotheby’s is looking to capitalize on the kingdom’s enthusiasm for art with the first-ever international auction in Riyadh on February 8. Up north, the Centre Pompidou continues work on the Contemporary Art Museum of AlUla, designed by Lina Ghotmeh, and due in 2027.