By Maghie Ghali

The inaugural edition of Downtown Design Riyadh made a splash in the Saudi capital from May 20-23, bringing an all new version of the much-loved Dubai fair for contemporary design to new audiences.

Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the boutique-sized fair is placing an emphasis on regional design, including an exciting range of local design studios, international showstoppers and unique regional collaborations.

One of our core focuses for this edition of Downtown Design in a new market, is to create a fair for Riyadh that will be an anchor for the design community and industry, and engage with such a vivid creative community

“One of our core focuses for this edition of Downtown Design in a new market, is to create a fair for Riyadh that will be an anchor for the design community and industry, and engage with such a vivid creative community,” Downtown Design director Mette Degn-Christensen tells Marie Claire Maison Arabia. “We hope to forge meaningful foundations for the design community and creative scene, and build on the platform that showcases and encourages new ideas through a growing sense of shared purpose.”

“The fair will showcase limited-edition and collectible design pieces for visitors to discover, buy or commission, with the fair’s signature curatorial approach, reflecting Riyadh’s dynamic spirit and the Kingdom’s fast-growing creative scene,” she adds. “Visitors can expect immersive installations, pop-up concepts, modern craftsmanship, and a compelling talks program.”

The fair is expected to grow in the coming years, alongside Saudi’s burgeoning design scene. Without further ado, here are 10 standout design pieces from the fair’s first edition:

1) Strata by Karim+Elias

Led by Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage, the multidisciplinary Lebanese and Dubai-based studio Karim+Elias unveils “Strata,” a captivating modular outdoor installation. Located in JAX District’s main outdoor squares, Strata is crafted from Saudi sand using the traditional rammed earth technique. This innovative collection merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, inviting visitors into an immersive experience that bridges Riyadh’s historical roots with its vibrant present. Composed of 62 pieces that function as both seating and tables, Strata can be arranged in countless configurations, showcasing Karim+Elias’s dedication to material-driven artistry and site-responsive design.

2) Mezlaj Collection by NWII.III by Noura Suleiman

Launched at the fair, Mezlaj is a new furniture collection created by Saudi interior design studio NWII.III, spearheaded by Noura Suleiman. The entire collection is inspired by traditional Najdi architectural heritage reimagined through modern design, drawing on the intricate wood carvings of old Najdi doors, the bold patterns of Sadu weaving, and the warm, earthy tones of the desert landscape. “Each piece we create is a tribute to the stories, textures, and craftsmanship of the past, reinterpreted for contemporary living.” The collection includes everything from stunning armchairs, cabinets and tables to decorative lamps and objects, all rendered in beautiful natural materials and intricate details.

3) The Guardian Palms by Sumaya Shelbi for Iwan Maktabi

“The Guardian Palms” by Saudi artist and designer Sumaya Shelbi is a newly-created wall-hanging rug designed for Lebanese carpet creators Iwan Maktabi. This piece draws inspiration from the layered history, ancient mudbrick walls, and the quiet strength of palm trees found in Riyadh’s At-Turaif archaeological site, the historical heart of Diriyah. The sand-colored carpet, depicting camels, palms and old architectural structures, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the heritage, identity, and timeless beauty of Saudi Arabia’s ancient capital. It’s also a key part of Iwan Maktabi’s newly launched collection, “Gifts of Legacy,” which beautifully marries heritage with artistry.

4) Flower Armchair by Richard Yasmine for Scarlet Splendour

This sunny yellow Flower Armchair by Lebanese designer Richard Yasmine is a whimsical piece imagined for Indian luxury-design brand Scarlet Splendour. Part of “The Garden” series, it draws inspiration from the soft geometry of pompom-like blooms, taking the form of a playful floral silhouette that is a statement addition to any space. Upholstered in soft yellow velvet, this chair is an invitation to engage the senses, whilst adding unique form and texture to our lives.

5) The Capsule Collection by Capsule Art

UAE-based bespoke design production studio Capsule Arts unveils its Capsule Collection at the fair, marking a bold new chapter in the company’s creative journey. Inspired by traditional Arab vessels and the artistry of regional textile techniques, the collection features a range of sculptural vases adorned with interchangeable rope embellishments – each reflecting a different region of Saudi – like Al-Qatt Al-Asiri (traditional wall painting), Najdi doors, Sadu weaving, and the bisht and agal traditional garments. Each piece is handmade in Dubai from terracotta and stoneware clay, shaped on the wheel and refined by hand. The collection subtly contrasts soft off-white and cream glazes with unglazed, textured finishes, emphasizing material authenticity and regional craftsmanship.

6) Plant Pots by Gray Gardens

Hand-crafted by Lebanese-American designer Danya Ahmed, Gray Gardens specializes in sculptural planters and pots, made from cement. The collecting – ranging from gargantuan planters the size of a cabinet to tiny hand-sized planters – are created with a refined savagery to compliment the plant’s gentle nature. Each pot is produced live from free-form concrete, finished with a raw, heavily organic texture that contrasts Brutalist aesthetics and materiality with curated plant-life. The collection works to breathe new life into the classic idea of a potted plant, making them into sculptural centerpieces rather than an afterthought.

7) Nawat by Muntj

‘Nawat’ by Saudi cultural product design studio Muntj is all about redefining the date serving experience, handcrafted with beautiful sustainable dark wood. This simple date bowl seeks to pay homage to Saudi’s deep-rooted connection between dates and hospitality, where dates hold a central place on every Saudi family’s table, but also embraces contemporary design that blends Najdi patterns with a retro-futuristic style. The bowl removes the awkwardness of being unsure what to do with date pits during formal gatherings. A cleverly concealed section in the bowls base hides the used date pits, offering a more refined and clutter-free hospitality experience.

8) In the Garden by Naqsh Collective

Known for their highly-detailed work that bridges traditional Palestinian craftsmanship with contemporary design, Jordan-based design studio Naqsh Collective’s “In the Garden” decorative wall artworks are simply stunning. Carved from rich walnut wood, this piece is a tribute to the quiet beauty of a garden that nurtures creativity, storytelling, and tradition. The intricate engravings, adorned with hammered brass details, echo the flora and fauna that surrounded Palestinian women as they sat together, embroidering their dresses—each stitch infused with the essence of the land they called home. Wheat stems, symbols of sustenance and resilience, and grapevines, symbols of harvest and abundance, can be spotted in the design. Birds, flowers and stars are also strewn through the wooden ‘tapestry,’ creating a traditional piece for a contemporary world.

9) Beirut carpet by Elie Saab for Sarhai Milano

From the world-renowned Lebanese fashion designer comes the Elie Saab Maison Rug Collection, showing the Italian luxury carpet brand Sarhai Milano. The brand opened a new boutique in Riyadh during the fair, making a mark on the local design scene. A standout piece, the “Beirut” rug, uniquely evokes the freshness of the Mediterranean, crafted from the finest natural silk and New Zealand wool. This rug features a distinctive pattern reminiscent of water droplets, creating a sophisticated 3D effect, with an exquisite hand-knotted finish, in three elegant color schemes: taupe, gold, and ivory, or a full gold option.

10) Lamps by Lucas Barcelo

Trained in Australia, Spanish Saudi-based designer Lucas Barcelo blends Mediterranean aesthetics with contemporary design, resulting in collectible pieces that reflect his diverse cultural experiences. From his studio in JAX District, he crafts handmade furniture and ceramics that resonate with both regional heritage and modern sensibilities. His series of sculptural lamps are a particularly fun and vibrant addition to any space, introducing an unexpected pop of color with organically-shaped bases. The pieces use experimental glazes made from egg shells, coffee grinds, palm tree branches, and dried clay from a river bed near Riyadh, resulting in a beautiful green glaze.