Partner Content: The exhibition makes its debut in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh just raised the bar for design events in the region. The inaugural edition of Downtown Design Riyadh has officially opened in the city’s creative heartland, JAX District, running from 20 to 23 May. With the support of Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission, the fair brings together international icons, regional talent, and homegrown innovators for a four-day showcase unlike any other in the Kingdom.
A celebration of contemporary design in all its forms, Downtown Design Riyadh features standout names including Saint Louis, Visionnaire, Scarlet Splendour, Natuzzi, and Huda Lighting, alongside an inspiring roll call of Saudi creatives. A curated collectable design section brings the works of Thomas Heatherwick, Sabine Marcelis, Draga & Aurel, and Naqsh Collective into conversation with the city’s emerging design narrative.
The exhibition space spills into JAX’s industrial facades with installations, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge collaborations. Highlights include Strata, an earthen outdoor pavilion crafted from Saudi sand by Karim+Elias, and a multi-sensory pop-up by experimental London duo Bompas & Parr, offering glow-in-the-dark treats under Bauhaus-inspired interiors designed by Laeta.
At the centre of it all is a strong regional current: Designed in Saudi anchors the local contribution, with designers like Hobal, NWII.III, and Lucas Barcelo presenting works rooted in heritage but refined through a global lens. Elsewhere, furniture house Maison Louis Drucker pairs with Aranda\Lasch for an algorithm-meets-artisan showcase, while Grey Garden Plant Studio brings an earthy edge with handmade planters and raw ceramic forms.
The Forum programme features a line-up of thought leaders discussing collectable design, cultural preservation through graphics, and large-scale excellence in Saudi’s fast-growing built environment. Visitors can also explore a dynamic mix of fine design and forward-thinking craftsmanship. From Jotun’s interactive colour lab and Lasvit’s luminous Splash installation, to Scarlet Splendour’s statement pieces in polished brass by Richard Hutten, every room offers a fresh perspective. Italian textile house Dinodo and Jordan’s Naqsh Collective offer works that blur the line between object and art.
Downtown Design has been a staple in the Middle East’s design scene for over a decade, hosted annually at d3 in Dubai. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia signals the growing demand for world-class design in the Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.downtowndesign.com for more information.