At the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh fair, a new generation of Saudi women designers is stepping into the spotlight—each bringing a unique voice, vision, and cultural perspective to the Kingdom’s growing design landscape. From sculptural furniture inspired by Najdi heritage to installations rooted in Saudi Arabia’s natural terrain, these five trailblazing creatives are redefining what it means to design with identity and intention. Here's a closer look at the female talent shaping the future of design in Saudi Arabia.
“I grew up in a family where design, art, and culture were not just appreciated but lived,” says Noura Suleiman, the co-owner and engineer-designer behind NWII.III Interiors. “Our home was a revolving door for architects and interior designers working on family projects, and I was invited from a young age to review plans, touch fabrics, and weigh in on finishes,” she explains. The Saudi designer, who now heads the well-established design firm in the Kingdom, will be launching a Najdi-inspired furniture line called Mezlaj at Downtown Design Riyadh this month.
“Each piece is inspired by the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and timeless motifs that define Saudi culture-a heritage that, until recently, remained largely undiscovered by the world beyond our borders,” she says. The expansive collection comprises several pieces, including a sculptural majlis sofa, modern chairs, intricate lamps, and side tables, all inspired by Nadji design principles.
Saudi Arabia’s newest design destination is opening its doors this week, and we have the ultimate guide for what lovers of contemporary design should see, eat, and experience
Following graduation, Amani Al Ibrahim worked at design firms in Dubai, London, and Paris, pursuing a strong passion for design. Yeas later, she saw an opportunity to contribute to something “meaningful,” especially as a Saudi designer, and joined renowned design firm Kristina Zanic Consultants. The designer has teamed up with BMW to create a VIP lounge for the fair, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and spirit of her homeland."
“Living in Riyadh, I’ve always felt a connection to the Tuwaiq Mountains. They are more than just a physical feature of the landscape,” she says, adding that these motifs also carry cultural and symbolic meaning that are often seen as a metaphor for strength and resilience in Saudi culture. “With Downtown Design making its debut in the Kingdom, I felt it was important to root The BMW Lounge in something authentically local. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding terrain just came naturally.”
Design has always been a part of Budoor Althunayan’s DNA. “I grew up in an artistic family, and my father was one of the early leaders in the furniture industry. So creativity and craftsmanship were part of everyday life,” she says. Now the co-founder of Saidi-based Dome Furniture & Blends Home Accessories, Althunayan has been commissioned to infuse the halls of Downtown Design Riyadh with her distinctive cultural vision this month with the Sands Flow benches.
"I was inspired by the natural curves of Saudi Arabia’s desert dunes,” she says. “The Sands Flow benches reflect the elegance of wind-shaped landscapes. Wrapped in warm mustard velvet, each piece is sculptural and modular, offering both comfort and beauty.”
During the early sessions of the Tanween Challenges, a design competition led by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), the idea for Adeem was born. “Here, we began exploring flexible geometric shapes that could be arranged in various configurations,” say Aseel Alshuail & Raghad Alaydi, the team behind the project. “We aimed to move away from traditional sofa designs, where the back is often hidden against a wall, and instead, make it a bold, standout feature.” Adeem, meaning the visible or outer surface in Arabic, will feature at Downtown Design Riyadh in a dedicated section of architectural installations and interactive works previously commissioned by local cultural institutions, emphasising the evolving creative scene of the Kingdom.
