Downtown Design expands to Saudi Arabia with Downtown Design Riyadh 2025

Downtown Design is launching Downtown Design Riyadh, which will take place from May 20-23, 2025. The highly anticipated event will take place in the JAX District, Riyadh’s dynamic creative hub known for its unique cultural infrastructure and proximity to the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif.

Held in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Downtown Design Riyadh aims to create a global platform for design dialogue, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. The four-day fair will showcase an expertly curated selection of international and regional design brands alongside local creative talent and limited-edition design collections, positioning itself as a must-attend event for industry professionals, design enthusiasts, and emerging designers alike.

With Saudi Arabia’s luxury real estate boom and landmark projects reshaping the built environment, Downtown Design Riyadh arrives at a pivotal moment. The fair will provide direct access to world-class contemporary design, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to elevate its cultural landscape in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s interior design market is experiencing unprecedented growth, valued at USD 3.66 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2029. Driven by massive developments in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors, the demand for high-quality design solutions continues to surge. Landmark projects such as Neom, The Line, and Diriyah Gate are setting new global benchmarks for innovation and urban planning, creating opportunities for architects and designers worldwide.

Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, stated, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s design sector is an integral part of the country’s culture and reflects our vibrant heritage. As part of Vision 2030, we are supporting the flourishing architecture and design community and offering opportunities that mirror the Kingdom’s rich and diverse culture. Downtown Design Riyadh offers an energetic, creative environment bringing together the local and global creative design scene, supporting Saudi Arabia to become a leading voice in the design sector and cultural community.”

Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, added, “We are seeing so much enthusiasm and excitement amongst the design community in Saudi Arabia, and we are thrilled to be launching Downtown Design Riyadh. We will be offering the first high-quality, contemporary design fair in Saudi Arabia, connecting global and regional brands with architects, interior designers, developers and design enthusiasts in an environment driven by meaningful connections and the desire to amplify the country’s design scene. With Downtown Design’s solid reputation built over a decade of operating in the Middle East, we are honored to be partnering with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture and together, we will enable the regional and global design industry to access this dynamic market, in a highly curated showcase of the finest in contemporary design.”

Photo courtesy Huda Lighting – Italamp Aurora

 Downtown Design Riyadh will be held at the inspiring JAX District and will take place throughout the venue’s state-of-the-art exhibition halls and VIP areas, offering immersive cultural experiences within the vibrant contemporary art and design setting of the four-day fair. Brands showcasing include Huda Lighting showcasing a portfolio of lighting solutions and collections; Cosentino exhibiting the latest in sustainable surface materials; Natuzzi presenting its modern, cutting-edge furniture collection; Iwan Maktabi unveiling a new collaboration with a local creative; Collectional bringing a curated selection of contemporary design excellence and limited-edition pieces, featuring prominent international names; while Lasvit and Venini will present their hand-crafted, bespoke glass installations.

JAX District creative hub, an industrial heritage site in Diriyah is located just 30 minutes from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, providing local and international visitors heading to Downtown Design Riyadh a seamless travel experience. JAX District is home to acclaimed artists, galleries, leading media, creative agencies, and SAMOCA, the first contemporary art museum in Saudi Arabia.

Cover image supplied by Venini.