Posted inNews, Architecture, Saudi Arabia

From Spain to Saudi: Inside Riyadh’s Design Dialogues

An evening of networking and connections, commencing with a round-table discussion featuring leading designers from Saudi Arabia and Spain, focusing on how design is a catalyst for Saudi Arabia's transformation.

by Safa Hassan
Design Dialogue, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Design Dialogue, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Future Creative Residence in Riyadh, KSA, hosted a landmark event, “Design Dialogues,” orchestrated by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment and the Spanish Embassy in KSA, under the banner of Interiors From Spain.

Curated by Juan Roldan, assistant professor of Interior Design and Architecture at the American University of Sharjah, this event brought together leading Spanish and Saudi companies, designers, and architects at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s design evolution.

Design Dialogues, organized by the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Design Dialogues, organized by the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The evening commenced with a round table and panel discussion exploring Saudi Arabia’s dynamic architectural and design landscape. The dialogue, moderated by Juan Roldan, delved into the country’s rich heritage, its present developments, and the aspirations for the future.

Participants examined the pivotal role of design in shaping Saudi Arabia’s identity, from historical sites like AlUla and Diriyah to ambitious projects such as Neom and Red Sea Global. Central to the discourse were questions addressing the transformative power of design, its contribution to national development, and its alignment with Vision2030 objectives.

Round-table Talk at Design Dialogues, talking on design being a catalyst of Saudi's transformation
Round-table Talk at Design Dialogues, talking on design being a catalyst of Saudi’s transformation

Key figures in the industry, including Kristina Zanic of Kristina Zanic Design Consultants, Sumaya Dabbagh of Dabbagh Architects, Brandie Janow, a renowned design strategist and the founder of Kingdom Creatives Founder, Daniel Abecasis, global design principal at AEDAS, Juan Martín de León of Roshn Real Estate, Jawaher Almutairi of Gallery Design and Syn Architects, and Yahya Alghamdi, an architect at Red Sea Global, shared insights and perspectives on design’s influence on societal change and its potential to redefine the built environment. Following the engaging discussions, attendees had the opportunity to network during a lively session.

Round-table talk with leading Saudi designers and architects
Round-table talk with leading Saudi designers and architects

Design Dialogues underscored the pivotal role of design as a catalyst for transformation, emphasizing its significance in shaping the identity of nations and driving innovation. As Saudi Arabia embarks on a journey of architectural and design renaissance, collaborations such as these serve as beacons of inspiration, uniting diverse perspectives in pursuit of a shared vision for the future.