Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has launched the Salone del Mobile.Milano in the Kingdom for the first time, at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Bringing Italian Brands to Riyadh
Themed “Red in progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh,” the event brought together premier Italian design brands, renowned designers, and industry experts.
Therefore, it successfully set the stage for the full-scale Salone del Mobile.Milano in Riyadh in 2026.
Held from November 26 to 28, the opening ceremony witnessed the attendance of Assistant Minister of Culture, Rakan Al-Touq, Acting CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, alongside other senior officials, experts, and designers.
Interestingly, the exhibition served as a dynamic platform for 38 Italian brands showcasing furniture, interiors, materials, lighting, and product innovation.
Robust Growth
Prince Nawaf bin Ayyaf noted that the world’s premier furniture and design fair not only reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing standing in the global design arena but also serves as a significant opportunity for fostering collaboration between Saudi and Italian designers.
The prince also underscored that Saudi Arabia’s architecture and design sector is experiencing robust growth, unleashing new horizons for businesses and creative professionals alike.
Moreover, international collaborations play a pivotal role in advancing the sector and promoting Saudi talent on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, Maria Porro, said: We believe great design emerges from dialogue, and today, Italian and Saudi Arabian designers are speaking to each other with curiosity, respect, and imagination.”
Vibrant Program
During the exhibition, the Architecture and Design Commission unveiled its national initiative, “Designed in Saudi,” spotlighting the creativity of emerging Saudi product designers.
The event also featured a cultural program of 13 talks and masterclasses, beginning with a keynote session titled “Shaping the Future of Design: Milan meets Riyadh.”
The talks delved into several crucial topics such as urban design, sustainable architecture, the impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries, and the preservation of craft traditions.
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