Ithra makes its mark at inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh in KSA
- Last updated: May 25, 2025 | 10:16
As Saudi Arabia asserts itself as a global hub for contemporary design, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) showcased its impact on the Saudi creative ecosystem at the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh, until May 23.
From being a key voice in one of the fair’s most thought-provoking panels to delivering the fair’s only hands-on workshops, Ithra spotlighted the power of design to foster creativity, community and cross-cultural exchange.
Three Ithra-backed installations were put on view. They were developed through Tanween, Ithra’s flagship annual design event and included Adeem, a sculptural work reflecting on memory and materiality; IWAN Pavilion, an architectural structure rooted in Islamic design principles; and Open Segments, a modular exploration of space, movement, and reuse.
Previously exhibited in Milan Design Week, Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Spain and Dubai Design Week, the works were shown in Riyadh to engage new audiences and spark fresh dialogue in the local design scene.
In the workshops, Ithra offered sessions in silkscreen printing, sustainable packaging, and modular folding. Open to all ages and backgrounds, they invited participants to experiment with technique and explore design as a tool for creative problem-solving, reflecting Ithra’s engagement-led approach to inspiring creativity. The workshops also offered participants opportunities to experiment with technique, explore form, and consider the role of design in addressing contemporary challenges.
As part of the public programme, Ithra’s Head of Creativity & Innovation, Sultan Albadran, took part in a panel titled ‘Fostering Community in a Fast-Forward Market’. Joined by representatives from the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, Saudi Artisanal Company and Iwan Maktabi, Albadran discussed Ithra’s role in strengthening the design community in Saudi Arabia. The session explored the importance of building a vibrant design community and emphasised the role of creative education, mentorship, institutional support and cross-sector collaboration, in empowering emerging designers as they shape the Kingdom’s design landscape.
Albadran touched upon Ithra’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for designers to push their creative boundaries, engage across disciplines, and explore new forms of expression. He spoke of the contributions made through Ithra’s programmes such as Tanween, Ithra’s annual flagship design event, which, he said, have created spaces where experimentation is not only encouraged, but translated into real-world outcomes. Some of the results were on view for audiences to experience at Downtown Design Riyadh, in the form of the three installations, each piece exploring the potential of design to bridge references from Saudi material culture with globally resonant ideas in spatial and product design.
Reflecting on the fair, Albadran said: “Ithra is honoured to contribute to the inaugural edition of Downtown Design Riyadh, a historic milestone in the Kingdom’s emergence as a global cultural hub. Our participation reflects Ithra’s role within this thriving ecosystem, nurturing creativity and offering meaningful opportunities for designers to engage with global audiences.” Albadran has been working in the culture and arts industry for more than 10 years, and was named an ambassador for the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism. He is a member of the Al Khobar Art Committee and the Saudi Society for Urban Sciences.
He has contributed to developing the strategy of Ithra’s Idea Lab and the Tanween creativity conference and has represented the Center at many local and regional events. Albadran has been selected as a trainer, creative arbitrator, jury member and developer of programmes such as the F1 in Schools national competition, hosted annually at Ithra. As the Saudi debut of the Middle East’s leading contemporary design fair, Downtown Design Riyadh provided the ideal setting for Ithra to showcase its efforts towards building a rich creative ecosystem, with design serving as a medium for meaningful storytelling, material exploration, and dialogue across sectors and borders.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a leading cultural destination located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It focuses on enriching people’s lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programmes and initiatives. Since its opening in 2018, it has become a distinguished architectural landmark which houses the Idea Lab, Library, Theater, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum and Knowledge Tower. Tanween is Ithra’s annual flagship design event, dedicated to motivating and inspiring a new generation of innovators. Through an industry-focused roster of workshops, courses, and a design competition, it offers professionals and enthusiasts, opportunities to network, discuss, and collaborate. It is a key pillar that cements Ithra’s position as a beacon of culture that nurtures creativity and promotes cross-cultural exchange.
Downtown Design Riyadh (May 20 — 23) at JAX District, marked the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first fair dedicated to contemporary and quality design. Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, it brought together a curated selection of international brands, regional studios, and emerging creative talent, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing position in the global design landscape.
The fair was complemented by a collateral programme, including creative installations, engaging activations and pop-up experiences, alongside a line-up of talks tailored to the local context and burgeoning design scene, catering to a high-calibre audience, from industry professionals and developers to local homeowners and design enthusiasts, looking to discover, buy or commission. JAX District has successfully transformed the industrial heritage site in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, into a vibrant hub for artists and creatives. What was once known for unique mud-brick architecture, has now been reborn as the creative hub of the Saudi capital, beckoning talents to showcase their work.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer