Riyadh has long embraced design, but this May marks a new chapter that explores creativity, innovation, and the stories we tell through space, material, and culture. Making its debut from May 20 to 23, 2025, Downtown Design Riyadh will take place in the JAX District, the city’s creative hub.

Held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair signals the country’s growing ambition to play a more central role in the global design conversation.

From collectible pieces to immersive installations, and international names to emerging local talent, Downtown Design Riyadh is shaping a program that reflects the country’s creative energy. Set against the district’s industrial-style warehouses and open courtyards, the fair will feature brands like Natuzzi, Scarlet Splendour, Saint Louis, Visionnaire, and Huda Lighting, alongside Saudi designers like NWII.III and Noura Suleiman.

The fair will feature limited-edition works by leading names in collectible design, such as Thomas Heatherwick, Sabine Marcelis, and Draga & Aurel, brought in by international galleries including COLLECTIONAL and Helen Chislett Gallery. Local voices will also take center stage through initiatives like Designed in Saudi and architectural showcases from institutions such as Ithra.

Its programming is considered the work on display. From the outset, the fair’s forum will open up conversations on architecture, material innovation, sustainability, and the region’s evolving design economy.

Courtesy: Scarlett Splendor/ Downtown Design Riyadh

One of the most anticipated panels? A deep dive into the role of women shaping spatial and urban environments across the region.

Meanwhile, the sensory experience goes beyond visuals. London-based food futurists Bompas & Parr are teaming up with The Lighthouse and local firm Laeta Interior to create a multi-sensory pop-up that features glow-in-the-dark desserts and conceptual mocktails. Saudi coffee culture gets its spotlight, too, with Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery crafting a homegrown café experience for design-savvy palates.

Courtesy: Trame, Maison Drucker/ Downtown Design Riyadh

BMW Saudi Arabia is introducing a design-focused hospitality space—a lounge created by Saudi interior designer Amani Al-Ibrahim that blends the brand’s forward-thinking identity with thoughtful spatial storytelling. Also on the program is Strata, a site-specific installation by Karim+Elias, constructed using Saudi sand and traditional rammed earth techniques. The piece stands as a monument and a metaphor, reflecting on material heritage while looking toward the future.