From bold architectural landmarks reshaping skylines to immersive retail experiences and sustainable public spaces, the Middle East is fast emerging as a global hub for innovation in design. From architecture that reimagines urban life to experiential design that reshapes how we interact with technology, the region is redefining what it means to innovate. This shift will be front and center at the Innovation in Design Summit, on September 24, 2025,  hosted in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha—a fitting location in a city that is fast becoming a beacon for design-led urban development.

In response to overwhelming regional interest, Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East have extended the submission deadline for the 2025 Innovation in Design Awards to September, allowing more time for the region’s most creative minds—designers, architects, and visionaries—to present their pioneering work. The extension reflects the surging enthusiasm for design as a problem-solving force across the Middle East.

Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Senior Director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, captured the spirit of the moment: “The overwhelming response to this year’s awards highlights the growing global emphasis on innovation and sustainability in design. By extending the deadline, we aim to welcome even more creative minds shaping the future of our cities, industries, and communities.”

The second edition of the Innovation in Design Awards celebrates individuals and businesses tackling urgent challenges through design that is both visionary and functional. The programme recognizes work across categories such as architecture and urban planning, product and packaging, sustainable and technology-driven design, travel and hospitality, and emerging design talent from the Middle East. What unites all these efforts is a focus on originality that creates meaningful impact.

“Design is no longer about aesthetics,” said Ravi Raman, Publisher of Fast Company Middle East. “It’s a strategic force driving impact and transformation across every industry.” That ethos will come to life at the Innovation in Design Summit, which brings together an influential mix of designers, technologists, architects, and creative leaders to examine how design is shaping the future of business, society, and culture. This year’s edition will focus on how design thinking is redefining industries—from immersive media and human-centered tech to reimagined tourism and AI-powered experiences.

The summit offers a platform for collaboration, connection, and activation. Attendees will engage with some of the most compelling voices in the global design world, including Abdulaziz Alhumaidhi, Principal of Alhumaidhi Architects; Alan Ricks, Co-Executive Director and Founding Principal at MASS Design Group; Aya Tarek, a multidisciplinary artist; Aziza Chaouni, Founding Principal of Aziza Chaouni Projects; Debbie Millman, acclaimed designer and author; and Haya Sawan, Managing Partner of Motion Academy. Their collective perspectives underscore how design is addressing complex challenges in new and imaginative ways.

For brands, the summit provides strategic opportunity. Partners can engage in curated brand activations, from on-site installations to digital visibility through Fast Company Middle East’s channels. Beyond visibility, the event fosters meaningful introductions to jury members, speakers, and other decision-makers, with tailored lead-generation opportunities and post-event amplification that extends well beyond the day itself.

With its mix of inspiration, recognition, and real-world impact, the Innovation in Design Summit and Awards reflect a larger movement in the Middle East—one where design is a driver of regional progress, economic diversification, and cultural relevance. As cities and companies across the region embrace innovation through design, the upcoming summit in Doha is not just a celebration—it’s a sign of what’s to come.

To submit your application to the Innovation in Design Awards, visit Fast Company Middle East.