The exhibition brings creative innovation to the capital.
Riyadh recently raised the bar for design events in the region with the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh officially opening in the city’s creative heartland, JAX District. With the support of Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission, the fair will return for a second season from 3 to 6 February 2026, bringing 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, the first Downtown Design Riyadh featured standout names including Saint Louis, Visionnaire, Scarlet Splendour, Natuzzi, and Huda Lighting, alongside an inspiring roll call of Saudi creatives. The lineup for the 2026 edition has not yet been revealed.
The exhibition space spills into JAX’s industrial facades with installations, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge collaborations. Highlights from the 2025 edition included Strata, an earthen outdoor pavilion crafted from Saudi sand by Karim+Elias, and a multi-sensory pop-up by experimental London duo Bompas & Parr that offered glow-in-the-dark treats under Bauhaus-inspired interiors designed by Laeta.
The Forum programme featured a line-up of thought leaders discussing collectable design, cultural preservation through graphics, and large-scale excellence in Saudi Arabia’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 offered 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.
Mark your calendars for 3 to 6 February 2026.
GO: Visit www.downtowndesign.com for more information.