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Arab News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Tradition drives the contemporary at Downtown Design Riyadh fair
RIYADH: Design is always evolving, but at Riyadh's first Downtown Design fair, it is tradition that is shaping the contemporary. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ From elegant, oversized rugs to gleaming light fixtures and bold statement chairs, artisanal pieces line up the exhibition halls at Riyadh's JAX District, showcasing a medley of heritage pieces that are redefining what modern design looks like. A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) Trame Paris' collaboration with Maison L. Drucker brings new meaning to Parisian cafe bistro chairs. The 'Enlace' collection utilizes an algorithm to generate unique digital patterns that make every customizable chair a one-of-a-kind piece. Ismail Tazi, founder of Trame, said they were 'continuing this conversation between technology and craftsmanship.' A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) He added that as an Arab he was 'very proud because 'algorithm' is derived from Al-Khwarizmi — a Muslim scholar who was born in today's Uzbekistan. 'So it's really something that represents me today and how I'm looking to balance my own heritage and still be part of this cultural revolution and define a new Arab aesthetic within this digital revolution.' Iwan Maktabi, a brand that specializes in contemporary takes on antique rugs, displayed a number of eye-catching carpets — particularly a piece called 'The Noorah.' Made of handwoven wool and silk, the black base of the wall rug stands out with pink, orange, and silver accents, embellished with gold motifs; and is inspired by traditional Saudi Arabic textiles. Jordan-based Naqsh Collective centralizes the concept of engravings, which is one of the first forms of art. Blending architecture and design with traditional embroidery methods, their work becomes a mode for storytelling. One of the pieces on display is derived from the embellishments on women's thobes, specifically around the collar. A post shared by Downtown Design (@downtowndesignd) Nermeen Abudail, co-founder of the collective, said: 'In this piece, we talk about how the ladies did their embroidery in the backyards. They sat together collectively creating motifs inspired by their flora and fauna. 'Each pattern comes from a region. Amulets, flowers, cyprus trees — each holds a name, comes from a region and tells a story of why it was embroidered.' Each piece is hand-cut, inlaid, and finished with solid brass on walnut wood. The four-day event, running until May 23, showcases collectible works and ultra-high-end collections presented by international galleries, independent designers and manufacturers.
Trade Arabia
06-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Downtown Design gears up for debut Saudi edition
Fueled by the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia's luxury real estate sector and landmark projects, Downtown Design, the leading fair for contemporary and quality design in the Middle East, is set to open its inaugural fair in Saudi Arabia later this year. Downtown Design Riyadh will take place from May 20 to 23 in JAX District, Riyadh, a creative hub that combines cutting-edge cultural infrastructure with the stunning backdrop of the historic Unesco World Heritage Site of Al Turaif. Held in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair will offer design enthusiasts, professional and industry leaders with direct access to original, contemporary design brands and limited-edition works from around the world, along with local and regional designers and design studios. Some of the top exhibitors include Huda Lighting - which will showcase a portfolio of lighting solutions and collections; Cosentino - which will exhibit the latest in sustainable surface materials; Natuzzi - will present its modern, cutting-edge furniture collection; Iwan Maktabi - will unveil a new collaboration with a local creative; Collectional - will bring a curated selection of contemporary design excellence and limited-edition pieces, featuring prominent international names and Lasvit and Venini which will present their hand-crafted, bespoke glass installations. Downtown Design Riyadh will echo Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to offer the highest in cultural quality and will be positioned to help cater to the Saudi Arabian interior design market, valued at $3.66 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $4.63 billion by 2029, driven by real estate developments in retail, hospitality and luxury residential properties. Central to this demand is the country's globally recognised projects such as Neom, The Line and Diriyah Gate, said the organisers. Dr Sumayah Al Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said: "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," he stated. 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," he added. Downtown Design Riyadh will be held at the inspiring JAX District and will take place throughout the venues 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. 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.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Downtown Design to launch Downtown Design Riyadh in May 2025
Held in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture Downtown Design Riyadh will take place from 20-23 May 2025 in the creative hub of the JAX District in Riyadh Celebrating design excellence, the curated four-day fair will feature regional and global design brands from around the world, alongside local, emerging creative talent and design studios exhibiting limited-edition design Fueled by the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia's luxury real estate sector and landmark projects, this unmissable design event for industry leaders, design enthusiasts and professionals, will showcase the latest design trends and innovation Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Downtown Design, the leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design in the Middle East, will open its inaugural fair in Saudi Arabia later this year. Downtown Design Riyadh will take place from 20-23 May 2025 in JAX District, Riyadh, a creative hub that combines cutting-edge cultural infrastructure with the stunning backdrop of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif. Held in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair will offer design enthusiasts, professional and industry leaders with direct access to original, contemporary design brands and limited-edition works from around the world, along with local and regional designers and design studios. Exhibitors 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. Downtown Design Riyadh will echo Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to offer the highest in cultural quality and will be positioned to help cater to the Saudi Arabian interior design market, valued at USD 3.66 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 4.63 billion by 2029, driven by real estate developments in retail, hospitality and luxury residential properties. Central to this demand is the country's globally recognised projects such as Neom, The Line and Diriyah Gate. 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.' Downtown Design Riyadh will be held at the inspiring JAX District and will take place throughout the venues 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. 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. For exhibitor enquiries and further information about Downtown Design Riyadh please contact Riyadh@ or visit: | @downtowndesignd -Ends- For all upcoming announcements and updates visit: | @downtowndesignd | #DTDRiyadh Press Contacts: To accredit as press, interviews, high-res imagery or further information, please contact: Regional: Daniela Gorini | Ihab Yousef | About Downtown Design Over the past decade of operating in the Middle East, Downtown Design has firmly established itself as the leading contemporary and quality design fair in the Middle East and a catalyst for growth in the region's creative scene. Dedicated to original and contemporary, the fair showcases an edited selection of the latest collections, innovative products and design solutions by design brands and manufacturers from around the world, alongside limited-edition and bespoke design by studios, collectives and independent designers from the region and beyond. The fair is complemented by a collateral programme of pop-up concepts, creative and live talks, catering to each relevant audience; from international A&ID professionals or HNWIs to local homeowners and design-curious consumers, alike. Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the KSA Ministry of Culture, Downtown Design Riyadh will be the first contemporary and quality design fair in Saudi Arabia and will offer direct access to the unprecedented demand for high-end interiors to serve the rapidly growing market and mega-projects across the Kingdom. The inaugural edition of Downtown Design Riyadh will take place 20-23 May 2025 in JAX District, Riyadh. For more information, please visit:
