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ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

After a track record of operating across CIS countries, Italy, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and beyond, ARTDOM has established itself as a trusted partner for companies seeking to expand their businesses, build strategic connections and enter new markets. Focused on uniting leading players in the interior design industry, the showcase focuses on curated exhibitions of furniture, interiors and art, an online platform, consulting services, design tours and grants that support designers worldwide. 

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, phortography by Vladimir Kalinovskiy

Founded by Daria Zolotova, who is a major investor in the Middle East’s cultural scene, ARTDOM is now looking to expand to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with its first edition, running on 11 and 12 November. A Dubai edition will follow in 2026. According to Zolotova, the choice of debuting in Riyadh comes at the right time, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, rapid infrastructure growth, investment in creative industries and a booming real estate and hospitality sector.

With premium residential projects, luxury hotels and branded apartments under development, demand for exceptional design is rising sharply. “The Middle East is a unique combination of economic ambition and cultural awakening,” shares Zolotova. “My goal is to position ARTDOM as a bridge between global design leaders and the regional creative community. Together, we can create ideas and projects that shape the future of design while respecting cultural heritage.” Zolotova sees the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, as entering a new era of creative renaissance. “Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a global design capital, making it the ideal stage for ARTDOM,” she shares. 

ARTDOM ambassadors include Carlo Colombo, Giulio Cappellini, Draga & Aurel, Rossana Orlandi, Francesca Russo and other eminent figures from the design industry. “I’m delighted to participate in Riyadh Congress event, as it’s a high-level event where visitors will see the best in contemporary design,” says Cappellini. “I’m proud to contribute to promoting modern design in such an important region.” 

Deeply interested in design and culture since her university years while studying, Zolotova views ARTDOM as a cultural institution rather than just an exhibition, working with governments, museums, educational institutions and patrons to advance the industry and foster cultural exchange. Her love for design began in early childhood, and she completed a degree in Cultural Studies and Design before embarking on her professional career. She initially produced cultural and fashion events that eventually led to the field of furniture and interior design and allowed her to continue on her favoured path of independence and creative freedom. Her inspiration comes from a mix of global influences: she draws from European elegance, especially Italian architecture and the structured beauty of Haussmann-era Paris, while also appreciating the boldness and scale of contemporary cities like Dubai. As her passion for creating projects that combine beauty, storytelling and emotional resonance evolved, so did her area of expertise.

During 2020, Zolotova founded ARTDOM, a platform and exhibition concept dedicated to collectible furniture, interiors and contemporary design that focuses on uniting leading international brands and designers with a discerning audience. The project includes design tours, special events and strategic collaborations, with representatives in Italy, Dubai, Brazil and Kazakhstan. 

Over the years, ARTDOM has welcomed over 120,000 guests and featured more than 1,200 brands, with 50% of exhibitors being international. A significant portion, around 80%, are Italian brands, highlighting strong ties to Europe’s design heritage.

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