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Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Design debut: Highlights of inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh announced
The inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh, the Kingdom's first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design (May 20 — 23), has announced a line-up of exhibitors and fair highlights. Held in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair takes place at JAX District. It will offer design professionals and industry leaders as well as design enthusiasts and the culturally curious, direct access to contemporary and limited-edition design from around the world, with a spotlight on local talent. Marking a milestone for the Kingdom's evolving creative landscape, Downtown Design Riyadh presents a new platform for the unprecedented demand for high-end interiors to serve the rapidly growing market and active projects across the Kingdom. Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission said that 'Saudi Arabia's design sector is witnessing significant and accelerated growth and we are committed to supporting this progress by showcasing local creative excellence and attracting leading international design exhibitions. 'One of our key objectives is to position the Kingdom as a global destination for design by welcoming world-class exhibitions and fostering cross-cultural exchange. Downtown Design Riyadh, with its thoughtfully curated programme and blend of local and global expertise, reflects our vision to build a dynamic design community that embodies the Kingdom's rich and diverse cultural identity.' Exhibition highlights include the large-scale multi-brand exhibit, Huda Lighting, which will introduce 10 leading architectural and decorative lighting brands, including Articolo, Brokis, and Tom Dixon. The Bowery Company will feature modern Scandinavian furniture brands Audo Copenhagen, GUBI and &Tradition. Design from Teeb Made. Scarlet Splendour will mark their debut in the region with a presentation that includes pure brass pieces by Richard Hutten. Kuwaiti Babnimnim Studio's architectural installation for Cosentino bridges heritage and innovation, while an experiential colour exhibition staged by Jotun, features collaborations with local designers. Maison Louis Drucker will launch their digital collaboration with TRAME and ArandaLasch, merging the algorithmic potential of digital design with time-honoured craftsmanship. Teeb Made will showcase a contemporary take on culturally rooted design objects from Saudi Arabia, and the Designed in Saudi initiative will highlight the development of the Kingdom's industrial design sector. In a dedicated section, visitors can explore collectible works and ultra-high-end collections, presented by international galleries, independent designers and manufacturers, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. Gallery COLLECTIONAL presents a curated showcase of limited-edition pieces by internationally celebrated names, including Christophe Delcourt, known for handcrafted furniture that blend natural materials with minimalist design; iconic sculptural lights by New York-based Apparatus Studio; and experimental duo Draga & Aurel, recognised for their bold, vintage-inspired work, among others. Mumbai-based Aequo Gallery will make their debut in the Middle East, presenting a new body of work by Dutch designer Linde Freya Tangelder, highlighting Indian craftsmanship through a collaborative process with artisan Jeevaram Suthar. Other highlights include Venini's presentation of hand-blown glassworks in collaboration with Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino, among other renowned names. Visionnaire's fine artistry and Serafini's functional furniture, will highlight Italian heritage in a multi-dynamic showcase. A Karim+Elias design. Throughout JAX District pavilions, Downtown Design Riyadh will offer a programme of experiences and pop-ups, from creative cuisine concepts to cultural exhibits and a line-up of talks and panel discussions. Multidisciplinary design studio Karim+Elias, spearheaded by Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage, will unveil Strata, a modular, outdoor intervention handcrafted from Saudi sand, using rammed earth technique. Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, said: 'Our first edition of Downtown Design Riyadh will present a selection of some of the most innovative and sought-after names of the international design scene, alongside emerging designers, and creatives from around the Middle East. 'Our dynamic programme will offer guests a journey of discovery and an unparalleled experience of a highly curated line-up, from global design brands and limited-edition works to bespoke installations and creative concepts. With the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia's design market, we are seeing increasing interest from across the world. Downtown Design Riyadh will create a new annual meeting point, in one immersive setting.' Fuelled by the rising number of luxury real estate projects and landmark developments in Saudi Arabia, the demand for high-end interiors is growing exponentially across the country. The curated selection of international brands at the fair, including regional studios and emerging creative talent, reflects the Kingdom's noticeable position in the global design landscape. The fair is complemented by a collateral programme, including creative installations, activations and pop-up experiences, alongside a line-up of talks tailored to the local context and burgeoning design scene, catering to an audience ranging from industry professionals and developers to local homeowners and design enthusiasts, looking to discover, buy or commission. Supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to offer the highest in cultural quality, Downtown Design, the leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design in the Middle East, is bringing over a decade of expertise in curating leading design platforms, to the first edition of Downtown Design Riyadh. For over a decade, Downtown Design has played a vital role in shaping the region's design industry. With Riyadh in its portfolio, it is now expanding its reach, through an established curatorial approach, global network, and regional insight to Riyadh, offering a focused gateway to Saudi Arabia's fast-evolving design market, aligned with the Kingdom's large-scale development goals and demand for contemporary, high-quality interiors.
Emirates Woman
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Saudi Arabia's design revolution begins with Downtown Design Riyadh
News by Aminath Ifasa 40 seconds ago Saudi Arabia's design landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with Downtown Design Riyadh. With Vision 2030 fueling a cultural renaissance, the Kingdom is emerging as a global hub for creativity, architecture, and high-end interiors. Now, the arrival of Downtown Design Riyadh – the country's first fair dedicated to original and contemporary design, signals a defining moment for the region's burgeoning creative economy. Held at JAX District from May 20-23, in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Architecture and Design Commission, the fair is set to become an annual anchor for the industry, bringing together international design powerhouses, regional studios, and rising Saudi talent under one roof. But beyond the glamorous showcases and limited-edition collections, what makes this event truly groundbreaking? Saudi Arabia's rapid urban transformation, from NEOM's futuristic architecture to the luxury real estate boom in Riyadh, has created unprecedented demand for high-end interiors and bespoke design. Downtown Design Riyadh arrives at the perfect moment, offering a curated platform where global brands and local creatives can converge, collaborate, and shape the future of design in the region. Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, emphasizes this vision, 'We aim to position the Kingdom as a global destination for design, fostering cross-cultural exchange while celebrating our rich identity.' Global Icons Meet Saudi Innovation The exhibitor lineup is a testament to the fair's ambition. Huda Lighting will present 10 leading brands, including Tom Dixon and Brokis, while The Bowery Company brings Scandinavian elegance with GUBI and &Tradition. Meanwhile, Scarlet Splendour makes its regional debut with bold brass designs by Richard Hutten, and Maison Louis Drucker merges digital innovation with traditional craftsmanship in a groundbreaking collaboration. But the real stars? Saudi designers taking center stage. Teeb Made reimagines culturally rooted objects with a contemporary twist, and the Designed in Saudi initiative spotlights the Kingdom's growing industrial design sector. Where Art Meets Function For those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, the fair's limited-edition design section is a treasure trove. Gallery COLLECTIONAL presents works by Christophe Delcourt and Apparatus Studio, while Aequo Gallery (making its Middle East debut) showcases Dutch designer Linde Freya Tangelder's collaboration with Indian artisans. Italian heritage shines through Venini's hand-blown glassworks and Visionnaire's artful furniture—proving that Riyadh is now a must-watch destination for collectors. Downtown Design Riyadh isn't just about browsing—it's about immersion. Attendees can explore rammed-earth installations by Karim+Elias, indulge in creative F&B concepts, and dive into thought-provoking talks on design's evolving role in Saudi society. As Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, puts it, 'This is a journey of discovery—where global trends and local creativity collide.' Saudi Arabia isn't just building skyscrapers; it's crafting a new design identity. With events like Downtown Design Riyadh, the Kingdom is asserting itself as a cultural force—one that honors tradition while embracing the avant-garde. For design enthusiasts, investors, and creatives, this is where the future is being shaped. Tickets are now available at
The National
22-04-2025
- Business
- The National
What to expect at the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh: Lights, glassworks and rammed earth installations
Saudi Arabia is getting its own version of Downtown Design. The inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh will take place at the Jax District from May 20 to 23. It is being held in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture. Much like its parent counterpart in Dubai, Downtown Design Riyadh will feature innovative works by designers from across the world. It will also have a special dedication to local designers. 'Saudi Arabia's design sector is witnessing significant and accelerated growth and we are committed to supporting this progress by showcasing local creative excellence and attracting leading international design exhibitions,' says Sumayah Al-Solaiman, chief executive of the Architecture and Design Commission. "One of our key objectives is to position the Kingdom as a global destination for design by welcoming world-class exhibitions and fostering cross-cultural exchange. Downtown Design Riyadh, with its thoughtfully curated programme and blend of local and global expertise, reflects our vision to build a dynamic design community that embodies the Kingdom's rich and diverse cultural identity.' Highlights include a sweeping exhibition by Huda Lighting that includes well-known brands from the lighting industry, including Articolo, Brokis and Tom Dixon. The Bowery Company will highlight modern Scandinavian designs by Audo Copenhagen, &Tradition and Gubi. Scarlet Splendour will present pure brass pieces by Richard Hutten in their regional debut. Some works, meanwhile, will present interesting mergers between digital technology and craftsmanship, such as a collaboration between Maison Louis Drucker, a company known for their rattan chairs, and studios Trame and Aranda/Lasch. There will also be a dedicated focus on home-grown designs. Teeb Made will exhibit designs that are rooted in Saudi culture, whereas Designed in Saudi will showcase a diverse collection of pioneering designs. International galleries and designers will also present limited-edition works and collectibles in a special section of Downtown Design Riyadh. Gallery Collectional, meanwhile, will present works by renowned designers including Christophe Delcourt, who is famous for using natural materials in his minimalist designs; Apparatus Studio, known for their sculptural lights; and Draga & Aurel, a studio named after its founders Draga Obradovic and Aurel K Basedow, who are known for their experimental takes. Other highlights include a collaborative series of works by Dutch designer Linde Freya Tangelder and Indian artisan Jeevaram Suthar. Venetian glassmakers Venini will present glassworks produced in collaboration with Italian designer Michele De Lucchi and US architect Peter Marino. There will be other aspects of Downtown Design Riyadh. These include food pop-ups and cultural exhibits, such as a modular, outdoor installation that is handcrafted from Saudi sand. It will be presented by the UAE studio Karim+Elias, which is headed by Karim Tamerji and Elias El Hage. 'Our first edition of Downtown Design Riyadh will present a selection of some of the most innovative and sought-after names of the international design scene, alongside emerging designers, and creatives from around the Middle East,' says Mette Degn-Christensen, director of Downtown Design. 'Our dynamic programme will offer guests a journey of discovery and an unparalleled experience of a highly curated line-up, from global design brands and limited-edition works to bespoke installations and creative concepts. With the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia's design market, we are seeing increasing interest from across the world. Downtown Design Riyadh will create a new annual meeting point, in one immersive setting.'
Arab News
11-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia to take part in London Design Biennale
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Architecture and Design Commission and with the support of the Ministry of Culture, will be part of the 2025 London Design Biennale under the theme 'Drinkable Water.' The event will be held in Somerset House from June 5-29. This year's pavilion is handled by a team of designers who will use their expertise to present an exhibition that examines, challenges, and reimagines systems of water access and distribution, as well as the nature of our relationship with it. The 'Drinkable Water' concept, chosen by the organizers of the exhibition, is in line with the biennale's theme for this year, which is 'Surface Reflections,' as it explores how ideas are shaped through the interaction of inner experiences, external influences and personal history. The national Saudi pavilion tackles the water dispenser concept, which provides drinking water for free and symbolizes hospitality, a value deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia's rich traditions. These water dispensers are spread throughout the Kingdom, offering water to passersby, reflecting the ethics of generosity and kindness. The water dispenser in the context of this exhibition does not only represent mere goodwill but also raises fundamental questions, such as: Who pays for the 'free' water? How much does it really cost? And most importantly, if this burden falls on another party, won't the cost, in one way or another, ultimately be borne by everyone? The pavilion also stresses that water dispensers are often taken for granted and seen as mere public utilities; by reframing water as a subject of scrutiny and inquiry, we shift perceptions and uncover the unseen, turning thus these marginal structures into an active force in our daily lives. CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman said: 'Saudi Arabia's return to the London Design Biennale constitutes a new promising chapter of our commitment to using design as an effective tool for dialogue and cultural exchange.' She added: 'We hope that our participation in the London Design Biennale will enable us to contribute to discussions on creativity, innovation, and systemic thinking.'
Gulf Today
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Saudi Arabia returns to London Design Biennale with Good Water exhibition
Saudi Arabia returns to London Design Biennale 2025 with an exhibition titled Good Water (June 5 – 29) at Somerset House, London. Commissioned by Saudi Arabia's Architecture and Design Commission, the pavilion is curated by design collective including Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan and Fahad bin Naif. They bring together their multidisciplinary backgrounds in architecture, design and the arts, for the exhibition that questions, disrupts, and reimagines systems of access and distribution of water, and people's relationship with it. The curatorial concept of Good Water responds to the theme of the Biennale, 'Surface Reflections', which explores how ideas are fuelled by internal experiences, external influences and personal histories. The Saudi Pavilion is centered by a sabeel – a free water fountain, and a symbol of hospitality, deeply rooted in the Saudi Arabian tradition. Historically, the fountains are scattered across the country, providing water to passersby, signifying a communal ethos of generosity. Yet, within the context of the exhibition, the sabeel is no longer only a gesture of goodwill. It asks the question: Who pays for 'free' water? What does it truly cost? And, crucially, if the burden falls on someone else, does it not, in some form, radiate outwards to cost everyone? Water tank on a ledge, photo. According to the show, the sabeel, as a concept, carries a deep contradiction: while it offers water freely, the reality is that the water is not free at all. Every sip is made possible by a complex system of labour, energy, and economics. Potable water is extracted through costly processes, placed in plastic bottles, or transported through networks that demand tireless maintenance and oversight, since the water is meant for consumption. The cost is distributed across various actors, including governments, corporations and workers, among others, but ultimately, it is a cost that some, if not all, must bear. Even those who do not pay for water directly, still share the long-term consequences of extraction/desalination, branded plastic bottles and containers, transport and distribution. The sabeel in the pavilion, therefore, is more than a functional object; it is a symbol of interdependence and highlights the tension between generosity and cost, accessibility and consequence. Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan and Fahad bin Naif said that 'the pavilion uses familiar elements to draw attention to water's hidden economies, encouraging the visitors to drink with awareness, to acknowledge the price, and to understand that while the cost of free (good) water is borne by someone else, it truly costs everyone. In cities where sabeel are commonplace, their presence is often taken for granted, their function seen as a simple act of public service. But by relocating this familiar structure to the London Design Biennale, where water scarcity is not an everyday concern, we reframe it as an object of scrutiny. We aim to force a shift in perception, making the invisible visible, the passive active.' Alaa Tarabzouni and Aziz Jamal The Saudi National Pavilion is a flagship initiative of the Architecture and Design Commission, supported by the Ministry of Culture; it reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to contributing to international design discourse and promoting sustainable, innovative solutions. Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of Architecture and Design Commission, said: 'Saudi Arabia's return to the London Design Biennale is a new exciting chapter in our commitment to design as a powerful tool for dialogue and cultural exchange and we look forward to engaging in conversations on creativity, innovation, and systems thinking during our second participation in the London Design Biennale.' All the artists hail from Saudi Arabia. Alaa Tarabzouni has a career that spans over ten years in the arts and culture sector. While her background in architecture informs her approach, her main focus is context, which she regards as her primary medium and muse. Her work explores the relationship between art, its environment, and the viewer's experience. Aziz Jamal is a multidisciplinary artist known for an incongruous and experimental approach, blending humour, material and context, to create works that merge the individual with the collective. His practice spans sculpture, video, drawing, ceramics, audio, digital prints and installation, often using found and unconventional materials to encourage new narratives. Jamal's work explores themes of domesticity, time and consumerism, creating a dialogue between the familiar and unfamiliar. Dur Kattan and Dur Kattan Dur Kattan is a conceptual artist whose passion for non-traditional and interdisciplinary programmes has led her on a journey where she crafts artwork that establishes strong connections with viewers. She is particularly drawn to public art and art forms that embrace interactivity, enabling individuals to engage actively with artistic experience. Fahad bin Naif is an emerging artist, whose subject matter derives from examining the urban fabric of his home city, Riyadh. Employing multiple mediums in his interdisciplinary practice, Bin Naif creates large-scale installations and interventions, video works, photography and design, driven by his research of the urban landscape. His innovative design approach earned him the Bartlett's Gold Prize (2017) and in 2020, he won the third cycle of the prestigious Ithra Art Prize. The Architecture and Design Commission, established in 2020, is one of eleven commissions under the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia, representing disciplines including architecture, urban design and planning, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, and industrial design. The Ministry of Culture oversees eleven sector-specific commissions; it is leading a cultural transformation to develop a deep and sustainable creative ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
