The first edition of “Salone del Mobile.Milano” in Riyadh, which opened on November 26 under the theme ‘Red in progress’, will conclude today (November 28) at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

The event brings together leading figures, design experts, and prominent Italian brands in furniture and design, marking a significant milestone in cultural and design collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Italy, ahead of the full-scale fair planned in Riyadh in 2026.

On behalf of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Architecture and Design Commission, Rakan Al-Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture, inaugurated the event.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Acting CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission (ADC), Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy,  Carlo Baldocci, Ambassador of Italy to Saudi Arabia, Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, and Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency – along with senior officials, architects, designers and industry leaders. 

Prince Nawaf said: “Hosting the world’s leading design and furniture exhibition in Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia’s rising position within the global design landscape. Our architecture and design sector is rapidly expanding, creating new possibilities for companies, creators, and generations to come. Through this partnership, we aim to build a sustainable ecosystem where collaboration between Saudi Arabian and Italian designers drive innovation, knowledge exchange, and long-term opportunities.” 

He added: “Design in Saudi Arabia is becoming a cultural and economic force that shapes our cities, enriches our communities, and expresses the Kingdom’s identity and aspirations.”

Porro stated: “We believe great design emerges from dialogue, and today, Italian and Saudi Arabian designers are speaking to each other with curiosity, respect, and imagination. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting partnerships that will help define the future of design.”

The exhibition features 38 leading Italian brands, showcasing excellence in furniture, interiors, materials, lighting, and product innovation. The Architecture and Design Commission also presents its national initiative ‘Designed in Saudi’, spotlighting emerging product designers and research collaborations with Saudi Arabian universities – reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing talent and advancing its creative economy. 

The exhibition also features a dedicated handicrafts pavilion curated by the Ministry of Culture. The pavilion presents a series of short visual stories titled “In the Hands of the Artisan: Heritage and Story,” spotlighting Saudi artisans and showcasing their inherited skills.

In collaboration with the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (WRTH), the pavilion also displays an artistic piece titled “Nasaj,” which brings together five traditional crafts representing key expressions of Saudi craftsmanship. In addition, a selection of handcrafted gifts is offered to distinguished guests as a reflection of the authenticity, cultural depth, and enduring value of Saudi artisanal heritage.

The event also presents a three-day cultural programme featuring 13 talks and masterclasses led by experts from Saudi Arabia, Italy, and other countries. The programme opens with a keynote session titled “Shaping the Future of Design: Milan meets Riyadh”, featuring HH Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Ayyaf and Maria Porro. It explores the role of institutional strategies in defining the future of design, building knowledge bridges between both countries, and examining the impact of design in advancing economic and social development and strengthening cultural relations.

The cultural programme also includes a series of advanced workshops that address the influence of design and its disciplines on the urban landscape; the unifying design language between architecture, product design, and interior spaces; and future-driven perspectives on adaptable, evolving built environments. Additionally, the workshops examine the role of the public realm as vital infrastructure that activates urban life and enhances community belonging.

A set of panel discussions highlighting topics in urban design, sustainable architecture, and the evolution of living and housing patterns also is part of the programme.  – TradeArabia News Service

The exhibition features 38 leading Italian brands, showcasing excellence in furniture, interiors, materials, lighting, and product innovation. The Architecture and Design Commission also presents its national initiative ‘Designed in Saudi’, spotlighting emerging product designers and research collaborations with Saudi Arabian universities – reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing talent and advancing its creative economy. 

The exhibition also features a dedicated handicrafts pavilion curated by the Ministry of Culture. The pavilion presents a series of short visual stories titled “In the Hands of the Artisan: Heritage and Story,” spotlighting Saudi artisans and showcasing their inherited skills.

In collaboration with the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (WRTH), the pavilion also displays an artistic piece titled “Nasaj,” which brings together five traditional crafts representing key expressions of Saudi craftsmanship. In addition, a selection of handcrafted gifts is offered to distinguished guests as a reflection of the authenticity, cultural depth, and enduring value of Saudi artisanal heritage.

The event also presents a three-day cultural programme featuring 13 talks and masterclasses led by experts from Saudi Arabia, Italy, and other countries. The programme opens with a keynote session titled “Shaping the Future of Design: Milan meets Riyadh”, featuring HH Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Ayyaf and Maria Porro. It explores the role of institutional strategies in defining the future of design, building knowledge bridges between both countries, and examining the impact of design in advancing economic and social development and strengthening cultural relations.

The cultural programme also includes a series of advanced workshops that address the influence of design and its disciplines on the urban landscape; the unifying design language between architecture, product design, and interior spaces; and future-driven perspectives on adaptable, evolving built environments. Additionally, the workshops examine the role of the public realm as vital infrastructure that activates urban life and enhances community belonging.

A set of panel discussions highlighting topics in urban design, sustainable architecture, and the evolution of living and housing patterns also is part of the programme.  – TradeArabia News Service