The Forum

In the opening panel of the public programme, the Architecture and Design Commission will announce it’s ‘Jusoor Design Collection’, a new programme under the Jusoor initiative, which will foster cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between Saudi designers and international manufacturers and artisans through residencies, dialogues and joint creative projects, under the creative direction of Creative Dialogues spearheaded by Design Curator Samer Yamani.

Speakers: Sumaya Shelbi, Aseel Alamoudi, Albandari Aljuaid, Muotaz Abbas, Saud Alsaleh 

‍Moderator: Samer Yamani, Creative Dialogues

Featuring diverse stakeholders in the local creative ecosystem, this panel discusses how to cultivate a vibrant design community, emphasizing the role of creative education, mentorship, institutional support, and cross-sector collaboration in empowering emerging designers and shaping Saudi Arabia’s evolving design landscape.

Speakers: Mohamed Maktabi (Iwan Maktabi), Sultan Albadran (Ithra), Sybel Vazquez (JAX), Dr. Rehab Abu Ras (Saudi Artisanal Company)

Moderator: Mona Basharat, Architectural Digest

From architecture and hospitality to graphic identity or circular design innovation, key players that are playing a vital part in shaping the outcome of Saudi’s progressive market take stage to shed light on how cross-border collaboration, shared cultural narratives, and hybrid practices are driving innovation and shaping the region’s growing influence on the global design stage.

Speakers: Amani Al Ibrahim (Kristina Zanic Consultants), Kourosh Salehi (LWK + PARTNERS), Ruba Alkhaldi (Innovation Lab), Yasser Kaaki (BLU Architects)

Moderator: Nada Alturki, Arab News

Featuring a panel of experts, this session explores strategies for integrating climate resilience into large-scale development across the Kingdom and the wider region, addressing environmental challenges, sustainable materials, and urban planning practices essential for future-proofing design in the face of climate change.

Speakers: Aya Dummar (DWP), Abubakar Garba (Buro Happold), Isabelle McKinnon (Gerber Architekten), Yasmine Mamlouk (Gensler)

‍Moderator: Roaa Babiker, Buro Happold

As the boundaries between collecting and function grow less immiscible on the global stage, the Middle East is emerging as a dynamic hub for limited-edition design and collectible works. Leading voices from the region’s design stage will explore the cultural, economic, and creative forces driving the market’s growing appetite and dive into the shift. From connoisseurship to craftsmanship, we’ll discuss what makes a piece truly collectible—and why now is a pivotal moment for design as an investment in both beauty and value.

Speakers: Nebras Aljoaib (Nebras Aljoaib Creative Studio), Meshary AlNassar (Studio Meshary AlNassar), Roula Salamoun (Roula Salamoun Studio), Cristiano Baccianti (Collectional)

‍Moderator: Arne Everwijn, Christie’s Middle East

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This panel gathers a multidisciplinary lineup of creatives from across the region and explores how designers navigate transitions between disciplines—merging architecture, product, and digital design to produce innovative work that reflects the region’s dynamic, collaborative, and rapidly evolving creative landscape.

Speakers: Nada Abdallah (University of Sharjah), Marwan AlBalushi (Altqadum Studio), Omar Al Gurg (MODU Method), Natalia Miyar (Natalia Miyar Atelier), Aziz Jamal (Aziz Jamal Studio)

‍Moderator: Aneesha Rai, Identity

In a market ripe with ambition and possibility, a panel of trailblazing women who play a key role in leading the charge in shaping gather to demystify how our surroundings in the Kingdom are reimagined, built, and experienced with vision, nuance, and purpose - literally as we speak!

Speakers: Dalya Islam (Red Sea Global), Sumaya Dabbagh (Dabbagh Architects), Nadia Sousa (Superfutures), Pallavi Dean (ROAR)

‍Moderator: Dr Nadia Arafah, Prince Sultan University

This session explores how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is influencing contemporary architecture, with a focus on sustainable development, cultural heritage preservation, and the integration of modern design principles into the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Speakers: Maria Alessandra Segantini (C+S ARCHITECTS), Emilia Dobrzynska (HBA), Youssef Ibrahim (Gensler)

‍Moderator: Dr. Randa A. Mahmoud, Prince Sultan University

This panel explores how graphic designers across the region draw from visual traditions—such as calligraphy, ornamentation, and vernacular signage—to create contemporary work with cultural depth. By bridging past and present across print and digital media, these designers shape a regional design language that reflects local identity and engages global audiences.

Speakers: Lujain Abulfaraj (Twothirds Design Studio), Mohammad Sharaf (Sharaf Studio), Ahmed Al Abdullatif (Gene Branding)

Moderator: Ahmad Konash, Onsor Mosha

This panel explores how design excellence is delivered, not just imagined, in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving built environment. From navigating procurement and approvals to managing timelines and stakeholder complexity, we examine how global and local teams collaborate to translate bold national visions into built realities that are grounded, contextual and enduring.

Speakers: Sherif Anis (KAFD), Ryan Waltke (Gensler), Chucri Haddad (Dar)

Moderator: Shaikha Al Otaibi, ROSHN

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This panel explores the future of contemporary design, examining emerging trends, technological innovations, and shifting cultural influences that are shaping the evolution of design across disciplines, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and global connectivity.

Speakers: Roxy Fata (Art Blocks), Chrissa Amuah (AMWA Designs), Muotaz Abbas (Metra Studio), Sam Bompas (Bompas & Parr)

‍Moderator: Ismail Tazi, TRAME

This panel explores the region’s move toward a more contemporary and modern design approach—focusing on simplicity, longevity, and function. Speakers will discuss how shifting aesthetics reflect changing values, moving away from excess toward more sustainable, lasting choices.

Speakers: AbdulAziz AlHumaidhi (AlHumaidi Architects), Urjowan Alsharif (Urjowan Interiors), Ahmed Bayashout (Studio A)

‍Moderator: Jumana Abdel-Razzaq, Journalist and PR Consultant