Ithra Showcases Design Innovation at Downtown Design Riyadh with Panels, Installations, and Workshops

Photography: SPA

Riyadh, May 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is participating in the inaugural edition of Downtown Design Riyadh with a multidisciplinary presence that includes a panel discussion, three art installations, and a series of interactive workshops, the Center announced on Wednesday.

Ithra hosted a session titled “Fostering Community in a Fast-Forward Market,” exploring how creative education and cross-sector collaboration contribute to the growth of vibrant design ecosystems. The session was part of the Center’s broader contribution to the event, which includes three design installations developed under its annual Tanween program: Adeem, IWAN Pavilion, and Open Segments.

In addition to its curated displays, Ithra offered hands-on workshops targeting multiple age groups, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to inclusive design education and engagement.

Sultan Albadran, Head of the Creativity and Innovation Unit at Ithra, said the Center aims to empower designers by expanding their creative horizons and enabling participation at regional and international levels. He noted that the Tanween program plays a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s design landscape by supporting innovative artistic expression.

“Downtown Design Riyadh is a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange,” Albadran said. “As a cultural institution alongside private sector designers and architects, Ithra’s presence invites collaboration, aiming to foster pioneering designers and connect them with the market through innovative pathways.”

The event marks a significant addition to Riyadh’s expanding creative economy, providing a platform for dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders in the design and architecture industries.