Diriyah Biennale Foundation to Host MADE Design Forum in Jeddah

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation will host the MADE Design Forum from May 1 to 4 at the Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building, located in the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, according to an official announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The four-day event is designed as a dynamic platform for dialogue, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge design, bringing together designers, creatives, artists, and makers from across the Arab world and beyond. It represents a significant addition to Saudi Arabia’s expanding cultural calendar and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing creative industries under Vision 2030.

The forum will focus on product design, architecture, and traditional crafts, offering a curated market where visitors can engage directly with creators and discover distinctive works, including furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, and innovative biomaterials. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation emphasized that the initiative responds to the region’s rapidly evolving design landscape and aims to empower creatives who merge cultural heritage with future-focused design thinking. With the Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building as its backdrop, the event underscores Jeddah’s growing role as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation.

Context and Background

How did Saudi Arabia emerge as a global center for design and cultural dialogue? The answer lies in a deliberate, multi-year effort to build world-class cultural infrastructure and programming. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation, established in 2020, has quickly become a cornerstone of this strategy, organizing the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the Islamic Arts Biennale, which debuted in Jeddah in 2023. These initiatives have attracted international attention and positioned the Kingdom as a serious player in the global cultural landscape. The MADE Design Forum builds on this momentum, creating a dedicated space for designers and makers to connect, exchange ideas, and showcase work that bridges tradition and modernity.

The choice of venue is highly symbolic. The Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, designed by the renowned architect Fazlur Rahman Khan, is itself an architectural landmark that welcomes millions of pilgrims annually. By hosting the forum there, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation links contemporary design with the deep cultural heritage of the Hajj journey. The Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building, which opened alongside the biennale, provides a fitting setting for conversations about craft, materiality, and cultural identity. This context gives the MADE Design Forum a unique resonance, situating it at the intersection of faith, history, and innovation.

Moreover, the forum arrives at a time when the global design community is increasingly looking toward the Middle East for fresh perspectives. Saudi Arabia’s young, creative population and its ambitious Vision 2030 agenda have created fertile ground for design-driven entrepreneurship. The MADE Design Forum is not an isolated event but part of a broader ecosystem that includes the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and the Ministry of Culture’s various sector-specific commissions. Together, these entities are building a sustainable creative economy that honors the past while embracing the future.

Key Details and Program Highlights

What can visitors expect from the four-day forum? The program is structured around dialogue, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge design, with a curated market as its centerpiece. This market will allow visitors to engage directly with creators and discover distinctive works, including furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, and innovative biomaterials. The emphasis on direct engagement reflects a growing trend in the design world, where consumers and enthusiasts value transparency, storytelling, and the human touch behind each object. By featuring makers from across the Arab world and beyond, the forum also promotes cross-cultural exchange and celebrates regional talent on an international stage.

The forum’s focus on product design, architecture, and traditional crafts ensures a multidisciplinary approach. Designers specializing in these fields will lead discussions, workshops, and presentations, offering insights into how traditional techniques can inform contemporary practice. For example, a session on biomaterials might explore how date palm waste or other local resources can be transformed into sustainable building products. An architecture panel could examine how vernacular design principles can address climate challenges. These conversations are not merely academic; they have practical implications for industries ranging from construction to home goods, and they align with Saudi Arabia’s push for sustainability and economic diversification.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has highlighted that the initiative comes in response to the region’s rapidly evolving design landscape. This is a crucial point: the Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing a cultural renaissance, with new museums, galleries, and design weeks launching regularly. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this movement, investing in creative infrastructure and nurturing local talent. The MADE Design Forum aims to empower creatives who merge cultural heritage with future-focused design thinking, providing them with a platform to showcase their work, network with peers, and gain exposure to international markets. By doing so, it contributes to the growth of a knowledge-based economy and reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a cultural bridge between East and West.

International and Regional Impact

How will the MADE Design Forum influence the broader design world? By convening designers, artists, and makers from across the Arab world and beyond, the event fosters a sense of community and collaboration that transcends borders. It positions Jeddah as a meeting point for creative minds, much like Milan, London, or Dubai. The presence of international participants will facilitate knowledge transfer, inspire new collaborations, and expose regional designers to global trends. In turn, international visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of Arab design, challenging stereotypes and building cultural bridges. This exchange is mutually beneficial and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international engagement and soft power.

Regionally, the forum supports the growth of the creative economy across the Middle East. Many countries in the region share similar challenges and opportunities, from preserving traditional crafts to harnessing digital technologies. By providing a platform for dialogue, the MADE Design Forum encourages cross-border partnerships and the sharing of best practices. It also complements other regional events, such as Dubai Design Week and the Amman Design Week, creating a more interconnected design ecosystem. For Saudi Arabia, this reinforces its leadership role in cultural diplomacy and its ability to convene diverse stakeholders around shared goals. The forum’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives in other Saudi cities, further decentralizing cultural programming and spreading its benefits.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does the MADE Design Forum mean for Saudi Arabia’s economy? The creative industries are increasingly recognized as a driver of growth, job creation, and innovation. According to global estimates, the cultural and creative sectors contribute trillions of dollars to the world economy and employ millions of people. Saudi Arabia is tapping into this potential through strategic investments in arts, design, and heritage. The forum’s curated market, for instance, gives local designers and artisans a direct route to consumers, helping them build sustainable businesses. It also attracts visitors to Jeddah, boosting tourism and hospitality sectors. In the long term, such events help diversify the economy away from oil, a core objective of Vision 2030.

Strategically, the forum enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power and cultural influence. By hosting international designers and showcasing regional talent, the Kingdom presents itself as a forward-looking, creative nation that values both tradition and innovation. This narrative is essential for attracting foreign investment, partnerships, and talent. It also supports the goals of the National Culture Strategy, which aims to make culture a way of life and a contributor to economic development. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s work, including the MADE Design Forum, exemplifies how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for broader societal and economic transformation. As the Kingdom continues to open up, events like this will play a vital role in shaping its global image.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the MADE Design Forum align with Vision 2030? Vision 2030 seeks to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Culture and design are integral to all three pillars. A vibrant society is one where creativity flourishes and heritage is celebrated; the forum’s focus on traditional crafts and contemporary design embodies this. A thriving economy requires diversification and innovation; the creative industries offer high-value jobs and export opportunities. An ambitious nation is one that engages globally and pursues excellence; by hosting international designers, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its ambition and openness. The forum also supports specific Vision 2030 programs, such as the Quality of Life Program, which aims to enhance cultural participation and entertainment options.

Ultimately, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s MADE Design Forum is more than a temporary event. It is a statement of intent: Saudi Arabia is serious about becoming a global cultural destination. It is a platform for empowering the next generation of designers, preserving heritage, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. As the Kingdom continues its remarkable transformation, initiatives like this will be remembered as milestones that helped redefine its place in the world. The forum invites the international community to witness firsthand the creativity and dynamism of Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world, and to join in shaping a future where design serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the MADE Design Forum?

A1. The MADE Design Forum is a four-day event organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, focusing on dialogue, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge design. It brings together designers, artists, and makers from the Arab world and beyond to showcase work and exchange ideas.

Q2. When and where will the MADE Design Forum take place?

A2. The forum will be held from May 1 to 4 at the Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building, located in the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Who is organizing the MADE Design Forum?

A3. The forum is organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, a cultural institution established in 2020 that also runs the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the Islamic Arts Biennale.

Q4. What fields will the forum cover?

A4. The forum will cover product design, architecture, and traditional crafts, with a focus on how cultural heritage can inform future-focused design thinking.

Q5. What is a curated market at the forum?

A5. The curated market is a space where visitors can engage directly with creators and discover distinctive works, including furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, and innovative biomaterials.

Q6. Why is the Western Hajj Terminal a significant venue?

A6. The Western Hajj Terminal is an architectural landmark designed by Fazlur Rahman Khan. It welcomes millions of pilgrims annually and symbolizes the intersection of heritage, faith, and modern design.

Q7. How does the forum support Saudi Vision 2030?

A7. The forum supports Vision 2030 by fostering a vibrant society, diversifying the economy through creative industries, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global cultural engagement and soft power.

Q8. Who can attend the MADE Design Forum?

A8. The forum is open to designers, creatives, artists, makers, and the general public. Visitors can explore the curated market and participate in discussions and workshops.

Q9. What is the Diriyah Biennale Foundation?

A9. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is a Saudi cultural organization that commissions and hosts major biennales, including the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah and the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh.

Q10. How does the forum empower creatives?

A10. The forum provides a platform for creatives to showcase their work, network with peers and industry leaders, gain exposure to international markets, and engage in dialogue about the future of design.

Q11. What are biomaterials in the context of this forum?

A11. Biomaterials refer to innovative, sustainable materials derived from biological sources, such as plants or agricultural waste. They are used in design to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices.

Q12. Will there be international participants?

A12. Yes, the forum will gather designers and makers from across the Arab world and beyond, facilitating cross-cultural exchange and international collaboration.

Q13. What is the Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building?

A13. It is a dedicated space within the Western Hajj Terminal that hosts cultural programs associated with the Islamic Arts Biennale, including exhibitions, talks, and workshops.

Q14. How does the forum reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural strategy?

A14. The forum aligns with the National Culture Strategy by promoting cultural participation, supporting creative industries, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for design and innovation.

Q15. What economic benefits can Jeddah expect from the forum?

A15. The forum can boost local tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors by attracting visitors and providing a marketplace for designers and artisans to sell their work.

Q16. Is the MADE Design Forum an annual event?

A16. The announcement does not specify whether the forum will be annual. It is currently scheduled as a four-day event from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Q17. How can designers participate in the forum?

A17. Designers interested in participating can likely contact the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for details on registration, exhibiting, or speaking opportunities. More information may be available through official channels.

Q18. What makes this forum different from other design events?

A18. The forum’s unique setting at the Western Hajj Terminal, its focus on merging heritage with innovation, and its curated market for direct engagement set it apart from typical design conferences.

Q19. What role does traditional craft play in the forum?

A19. Traditional craft is a central theme, with makers showcasing techniques and products that reflect the region’s cultural heritage, while also exploring how these crafts can evolve with contemporary design.

Q20. How does the forum contribute to Saudi Arabia’s global image?

A20. By hosting an international design forum, Saudi Arabia showcases its commitment to culture, creativity, and global engagement, enhancing its reputation as a forward-looking nation that values both tradition and modernity.