Ithra’s flagship design event marks its eighth edition in Dhahran from 17 to 22 November.
Ithra has confirmed that its annual flagship design event, Tanween, will return from 17 to 22 November for its eighth edition. The week celebrates design’s power to solve problems, spark conversation and bring creative communities together. Building on momentum from last year, which welcomed more than 2,000 attendees and sold out workshops and talks, the 2025 programme widens its scope while staying rooted in collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This year’s theme is ‘Design the Unspoken.’ It invites participants to look beyond the obvious and consider how design can anticipate needs that are often overlooked. The brief encourages practitioners to engage with diverse communities and to respond with solutions that are as thoughtful as they are functional. Programming will unfold across Ithra’s Plaza, the Great Hall, and the Lush Gardens, utilising the centre’s landmark spaces to showcase installations, talks, and hands-on sessions.
A major addition for 2025 is the Tanween Challenges open call. Designers worldwide can register until 26 October to join six-day design sprints that run during Tanween. Tracks include The Global Impact Challenge, Urban Spaces Challenge, Product Design Challenge and Visual Communication Challenge. The unifying theme is ‘Design for the 90%.’ It asks participants to shift focus from the top tier of consumers to the wider majority who shape daily life yet remain underserved. The aim is to produce ideas that are scalable, inclusive and ready for real-world testing.
Across six days, Tanween presents a multi-disciplinary programme for professionals, students and design enthusiasts. Expect exhibitions, curated workshops, a design market with international brands, the Tanween Challenges, and Tanween Majlis, a series of panel discussions led by global creatives, leaders and innovators. The schedule encourages cross-pollination between disciplines, with opportunities to prototype, receive feedback and network with peers.
Based in Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture is a cultural hub known for programming that blends education, innovation and community. Since its official opening in 2018, Ithra has become an architectural and cultural landmark, championing initiatives that expand access to the arts and creative industries.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.