Close

Highlights from Downtown Design Riyadh

From collectible creations and immersive installations to Saudi-driven showcases, the Kingdom’s first high-end contemporary design fair spotlighted local vision and global design excellence.

Downtown Design Riyadh

Downtown Design Riyadh officially opened its inaugural edition in the heart of JAX District from 20–23 May 2025. Organised in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission, the fair brought together world-class design, Saudi talent, and thought-provoking programming, marking a milestone for the Kingdom’s design scene.

Held across indoor and outdoor spaces in Riyadh’s cultural quarter, Downtown Design Riyadh featured a curated lineup of international brands such as Huda Lighting, Saint Louis, Natuzzi, Scarlet Splendour, and Visionnaire, alongside limited-edition works by global design stars including Thomas Heatherwick, Sabine Marcelis, Draga & Aurel, and Naqsh Collective.

Downtown Design Riyadh

Saudi design took centre stage with the Designed in Saudi initiative, local studio showcases, and independent designers such as NWII.III, Hobal, and Lucas Barcelo presenting new collections that explore heritage through a contemporary lens. From collaborations with international houses to emerging voices, Saudi creativity wad embedded across the fair.

Designed In Saudi

Programming extended into the public realm with Strata, a rammed earth installation by Karim+Elias situated at the entrance of the fair reflected traditional Saudi techniques in a contemporary form. BMW’s immersive lounge, conceptualised by Amani Al-Ibrahim of Kristina Zanic Consultants brought luxury and local design together, while Bompas & Parr’s glow-in-the-dark culinary experience, conceived by Laeta Interior Design and The Lighthouse, added a sensory twist to the exhibition.

The Architecture and Design Commission highlighted initiatives and collaborative installations, including Narrating Woven by Ruba Al Khaldi & Lujain Rafea. Ithra’s pavilion and hands-on workshops (from silk screening to edible packaging design).

The fair’s thought-leadership platform, The Forum, hosted a series of conversations exploring key themes shaping the regional design landscape from the rise of collectible design in the Middle East to sustainable material futures and scaling design excellence in Saudi Arabia’s transformation.

The Forum

As a new anchor on Saudi’s cultural calendar, Downtown Design Riyadh laid the foundation for a dynamic, locally grounded yet globally connected design ecosystem. It positioned the Kingdom not just as a consumer of design, but as an emerging creative capital, where tradition and innovation converge. We can’t wait for the next one.

The Latest

A Parisian Touch

Interior designer Juliette Spencer of Atelier RO revives a storied pre-war apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with an elegant fusion of New York structure and French soul.

A Local Connection with a ‘70s Twist

Designed by Barcelona-based studio El Equipo Creativo, the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros hotel in Marbella, Spain is deeply inspired by Marbella’s rich landscape and cultural heritage.

Roar global consulting firm

A bold exploration of culture, nature, and the future of work by Roar

Roar has recently designed a new office for a global consulting firm that boldly reimagines the UAE's landscapes and cultural heritage into a workplace

Dare to be Bold

“No one does colour quite like Caroline Stanbury,” shares Kate Instone, Founder and Creative Director of Blush International

Zaha Hadid Foundation launches scholars program

The Zaha Hadid Foundation partners with the American University of Beirut to support the next generation of architectural talent.

Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum to open in December 2025

The Foster + Partners designed striking museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Culture & Conversations

identity hosted a roundtable and workshop in honour of Emirati Women's Day in collaboration with Casamia

identity Design Awards 2025

identity Design Awards 2025 launches

identity is excited to announce its 11th annual identity Design Awards 2025.

Dubai Design Week is back in 2025

Taking place between 4-9 November, here's what we know so far about the 11th edition of the Middle East's leading design festival.

Abu Dhabi Bright

From cultural icons to world-class entertainment, this latest book by Assouline captures the many layers of the UAE’s capital

Bold and Experimental

This villa by C'est Ici captures the bold and vibrant personality of its owners

A New Urban Destination – The Gold

Located on King Salman Road, the 32,000m2 development will redefine leisure, dining and wellness in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province