Highlights from 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.

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.

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.

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.