Saudi Arabia is getting its own version of Downtown Design
Get ready for the Kingdom’s first fair for original contemporary design…
Save the date for the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s first fair for contemporary and high-quality design.
Taking place in JAX District from Tuesday May 20 to Friday May 23, the fair is held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture.
Like its parent counterpart in Dubai, Downtown Design Riyadh will showcase leading design brands and collectable designs from around the world alongside a programme of dynamic experiences, pop-ups and installations, talks, and much more. It will also spotlight Saudi creative talent.
Here’s all you need to know about this new design fair.
Downtown Design Riyadh is the new anchor event for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning design scene. It provides a fresh platform to meet the unprecedented demand for high-end interiors, catering to the rapidly growing market and active projects across the Kingdom.
The four-day fair will be held throughout JAX District’s state-of-the-art exhibition halls and VIP areas, offering immersive cultural experiences within the vibrant contemporary art and design setting.
Bringing together original, high-quality contemporary design, the fair connects the industry through a curated showcase of some of the most innovative and sought-after names on the international design scene alongside emerging designers and creatives from around the Middle East.
Visitors can look forward to networking opportunities, engaging talks, limited-edition works, bespoke installations, creative pop-up concepts, and a diverse array of food and beverage experiences that reflect Riyadh’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Exhibitor highlights
Don’t miss the large-scale exhibition by Huda Lighting, showcasing a portfolio of lighting solutions and collections. The Bowery Company will highlight modern Scandinavian designs, while Scarlet Splendour will present pure brass pieces by Richard Hutten in their regional debut. Jotun will also stage an experiential colour exhibition featuring collaborations with local designers.
Limited-edition design
In a dedicated section, visitors can explore collectable works and ultra-high-end collections presented by international galleries, independent designers, and manufacturers. These collections showcase exceptional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity.
Gallery Collectional will present works by renowned designers, including Christophe Delcourt, who is famous for using natural materials in his minimalist designs; Apparatus Studio, known for its sculptural lights; and Draga & Aurel, a studio named after its founders, Draga Obradovic and Aurel K Basedow, celebrated for their bold, vintage-inspired work.
Other highlights include Venini’s presentation of hand-blown glassworks in collaboration with Italian designer Michele De Lucchi and US architect Peter Marino.
Programme highlights
There will be other aspects of Downtown Design Riyadh. These include a programme of dynamic experiences and pop-ups, from creative cuisine concepts to an engaging line-up of talks and panel discussions.
Look out for interesting cultural exhibits, such as Strata, a modular outdoor installation handcrafted from Saudi sand. It will be presented by the multidisciplinary design studio Karim+Elias, spearheaded by Karim Tamerji and Elias El Hage.
Get your tickets
Tickets for Downtown Design Riyadh are now available via PlatinumList. A single-day ticket costs SAR90, while a three-day pass costs SAR180.
See you there.
Downtown Design Riyadh, VIP Preview May 20, 2pm to 10pm, Public Days May 21, 2pm to 10pm, May 22 & 23, 4pm to 11pm, JAX District Biennale (B1), Riyadh. @downtowndesignd
Images: Supplied