Ithra makes its mark at inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh in KSA

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.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

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.