The leading fair
FOR CONTEMPORARY
& QUALITY DESIGN
IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Italian Trade Agency returned with a dedicated pavilion, featuring 25 made-in-Italy brands and manufacturers, showcasing furniture, lighting, interior solutions, accessories, and homeware.

The Designed in Saudi exhibition - an initiative by the Design and Architecture Commission of the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to highlight the Kingdom's creative talent - returned for its second iteration at Downtown Design, featuring carefully selected pieces by nine design studios that had received the Designed in Saudi seal, representing quality and distinctiveness in design.

The Middle East’s first fair for limited edition art and design was held from 6-9 November, alongside Downtown Design. Editions showcased over 50 galleries, design studios, and collectives, featuring works exclusively in photography, works on paper, prints, ceramics, and contemporary design.

Presented in the Middle East by Dhow Architectural Solutions Group, The Conran Shop marked its online launch in the UAE with a pop-up concept at the heart of the Downtown Design fair, featuring a curated collection of innovative and contemporary furniture, lighting, and home accessories.

Iconic architect, designer, and scenographer India Mahdavi was announced as one of the headline speakers for the 2024 program at The Forum. Held every November at Downtown Design, The Forum provided its stage to leaders of the global design scene, addressing key topics in the Middle East’s design landscape.

An annual showcase at the heart of Downtown Design, the UAE Designer Exhibition featured emerging local talent. With a focus on design that offers comfort and functionality, guest curator Omar Al Gurg selected works by over 30 UAE-based creatives.

Marking the entrance to Downtown Design 2024, Dutch artist Linda Nieuwstad’s oversized floral sculptures, skillfully crafted from recycled everyday materials such as truck tarpaulins, cotton uniforms, and old wool blankets, blended traditional forms with a modern edge.

Iconic hand-painted wallpaper brand de Gournay joined Downtown Design this year with a pop-up concept featuring their signature and bespoke interiors that blended timeless craftsmanship with modern elegance.

Every November, The Forum hosts live keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses, lending its stage to global thought-leaders in an annually reimagined setting designed to foster meaningful connections and open exchange in a fast-growing market. This year, The Forum was designed by Thomas Trad, taking cues from minimalist, Japanese-inspired aesthetics.

This year, Veuve Clicquot teamed up with renowned Studio Marcel Poulain for the lounge and sun-soaked terrace at Downtown Design, capturing the vibrant energy of the French Riviera.

The dates have been set for Downtown Design’s inaugural KSA fair, taking place at the Arena Venue Riyadh, 27-29 May 2025.