Saudi Arabia’s capital has officially opened the doors to its first design fair of its kind. Running until 23 May in Riyadh’s JAX District, Downtown Design Riyadh brings together a curated mix of international brands, regional studios, and emerging creative talent.
The fair is being held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture and represents a significant step in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the world of contemporary design.
“Downtown Design Riyadh represents an important step in our efforts to build a design culture that stems from Saudi identity and engages openly with the world,” said Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission. “Through its diverse programs, the exhibition focuses on this vision, bringing together the works of Saudi designers, both emerging and established, alongside prestigious international names.”
A Showcase of Global and Local Excellence
More than just a marketplace, Downtown Design Riyadh offers a comprehensive look at contemporary design. Exhibitors include leading names like Huda Lighting, Saint Louis, Natuzzi, Visionnaire, and Scarlet Splendour, alongside innovative regional studios.
A section dedicated to collectible and high-end design features work by global icons such as Thomas Heatherwick, Sabine Marcelis, and Draga & Aurel, as well as regional talents like Naqsh Collective from Jordan, known for blending modern design with traditional Arab craftsmanship.
International presentations include Lasvit’s glass lighting installation “Splash,” Maison Louis Drucker’s collaboration with TRAME and Aranda\Lasch, and Natuzzi Italia’s modular Amama sofa. Scarlet Splendour makes its regional debut with bold brass furniture by Richard Hutten, while Venini showcases artistic glasswork co-created with Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino.
Meanwhile, Saudi studios such as Hobal, Lucas Barcelo, and NWII.III, co-founded by designer Noura Suleiman, are presenting contemporary works that reflect the Kingdom’s heritage and design evolution.
Engaging Installations and Experiences
Beyond the showroom floor, the fair offers an array of immersive experiences. One highlight is Strata, an outdoor installation by Karim+Elias using rammed earth and Saudi sand to create a space that connects local traditions with contemporary design thinking.
In collaboration with Saudi designer Amani Al-Ibrahim, BMW Saudi Arabia has introduced a hospitality concept — the BMW Lounge — that reflects the brand’s design ethos and relationship with innovation.
Bompas & Parr, known for their experiential food installations, have teamed up with The Lighthouse and local designers Laeta Interior to create a glow-in-the-dark culinary concept featuring mocktails and sweet treats. Saudi coffee brands Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery are also part of the programme, offering a taste of local specialty offerings.
A New Design Destination
A central feature of Downtown Design Riyadh is The Forum, a platform for dialogue and discovery. With a daily programme of talks and panels, the forum brings together architects, designers, and thinkers from across Saudi Arabia and beyond to discuss themes ranging from collectible design and heritage preservation to the role of design in Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation.
Workshops hosted by Ithra invite the public to engage directly with design practice, from silk-screen printing and stool-making to creative responses to sustainability challenges.
Downtown Design Riyadh also highlights the Architecture and Design Commission’s broader initiatives, with a dedicated exhibit and a collaborative installation titled Narrating Woven by Ruba Al Khaldi and Lujain Rafea. Nearby, Ithra presents its own installations, including Open Segments by SYN Architects and the Iwan Pavilion.
Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, said, “This inaugural edition of our Riyadh fair brings together what Downtown Design does best – presenting a thoughtful mix of global brands, emerging talent and limited-edition design. We are proud to provide a platform for quality design in a local context.”
As the fair opens to the public, it is not only a celebration of design but a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to be a hub for global creativity. From collectible objects to architectural interventions, Downtown Design Riyadh marks a new chapter in the Kingdom’s cultural narrative.
Public access to Downtown Design Riyadh runs through 23 May. Tickets and additional details are available here.
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