Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has opened 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.
Vibrant Platform
Themed “Red in progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh,” the exhibition brought together leading Italian design brands, renowned designers, as well as industry experts. Hence, 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.
The exhibition served as a vibrant platform for 38 Italian brands presenting furniture, interiors, materials, lighting, and product innovation.
Remarkable Progress
Prince Nawaf bin Ayyaf noted that the world’s premier furniture and design fair not only mirrors Saudi Arabia’s evolving standing in the global design arena but also represents an important opportunity for boosting collaboration between Saudi and Italian designers.
The prince also noted that Saudi Arabia’s architecture and design sector is experiencing robust growth, opening new avenues for businesses and creative professionals alike.
Furthermore, international collaborations play a crucial role in advancing the sector and showcasing 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.”
Dynamic Program
During the exhibition, the Architecture and Design Commission launched its national initiative, “Designed in Saudi,” highlighting 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 discussed 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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