Downtown Design Riyadh, the Kingdom’s first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design, has announced its fair highlights, bringing international and regional brands, alongside installations, activations, F&B experiences and engaging pop-ups. The fair, which takes place from 20–23 May at JAX District, is held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, offering design professionals, industry leaders, and design enthusiasts’ access to contemporary and limited-edition design from around the world, with a spotlight on local talent. 

“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,” said Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design.

In a large-scale multi-brand exhibit, Huda Lighting 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, while India-based design studio Scarlet Splendour marks its debut in the region with a bold presentation of exclusive brass pieces by Dutch designer Richard Hutten. Local and international studios converge to bridge heritage and innovation through Kuwaiti Babnimnim Studio’s architectural installation for Cosentino with Jotun bringing an experiential colour exhibition through collaborations with local designers. 

Natuzzi is presenting its modern, cutting-edge furniture collection, with Iwan Maktabi unveiling a collaboration with Blu Architects for Libas Collection, along with collectible rugs by Daivd / Nicolas and a collaboration with Roula Saloumon. Lasvit will present Splash designed by Martin Gallo, a glass lighting installation inspired by the fluidity of water and Jaipur Rugs will feature a curated selection of designers and collections. Grey Gardens Plant Studio will present two products crafted through a process that balances durability with flexibility. Klekktic x Assembly have come together to blend two distinct design sensibilities in one shared space, combining Klekktic’s customisable, contemporary furniture with Assembly’s curated vintage pieces. 

Through an immersive activation, Maison Louis Drucker will launch a digital collaboration with TRAME and Aranda\Lasch, merging the algorithmic potential of digital design with time-honoured craftsmanship. Putting a spotlight on the Kingdom's time-honoured craftsmanship, Teeb Made and NWII.III will present design objects from Saudi Arabia inspired by rich cultural heritage, and the Designed in Saudi initiative will highlight the development of the Kingdom's industrial sector, with more to be announced.  

“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,” Degn-Christensen said.

Throughout JAX District pavilions, Downtown Design Riyadh will offer a programme of dynamic experiences and pop-ups, from creative cuisine concepts to cultural exhibits and an engaging line-up of talks and panel discussions. Among these highlights include multidisciplinary design studio Karim+Elias, led by founders Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage. The duo will unveil Strata, a site-specific outdoor installation handcrafted from Saudi sand using the rammed earth technique.

Fuelled by the rising number of luxury real estate projects and landmark developments in Saudi Arabia, demand for high-end interiors is growing exponentially across the country. 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 for this inaugural edition of the fair.

“With the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s design market, we are seeing increasing interest from across the world,” Degn-Christensen added. “Downtown Design Riyadh will create a new annual meeting point, in one immersive setting.” 

More exhibitors and programme highlights will be announced in May. 

Buy your tickets here.

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