Riyadh: The Ministry of Culture inaugurated the Salone del Mobile.Milano held for the first time in Saudi Arabia, running from November 26 to 28 at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. Assistant Minister of Culture opened the event on behalf of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Architecture and Design Commission Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event is held under the theme 'Red in progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh,' and features leading Italian design brands, top designers, and industry experts. It sets the stage for the full edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano in Riyadh in 2026. Acting CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the opening ceremony, joined by other senior officials, experts, and designers.
In his opening remarks, Prince Nawaf bin Ayyaf stated that the world's leading furniture and design fair reflects the Kingdom's growing position in the design sector globally and provides a key platform to strengthen collaboration between Saudi and Italian designers. He emphasized the growth of the architecture and design sector in Saudi Arabia, which expands opportunities for businesses and creatives and highlights the role of international partnerships in supporting the sector's development and promoting Saudi talent globally.
The president of Salone del Mobile.Milano highlighted that launching the event's first edition in Riyadh is a strategic step that reflects the Kingdom's rising stature in the world of design. She noted that the event offers an opportunity to foster collaboration between the Italian and Saudi design communities, facilitates knowledge exchange, and supports joint projects that expand business opportunities and encourage innovation. She described Saudi Arabia as a key partner in shaping the future of global design.
This edition builds on the strategic partnership signed in January between the Architecture and Design Commission and the Salone del Mobile.Milano in AlUla. This signing is part of the commission's efforts to strengthen international partnerships, foster cooperation, and attract leading cultural exhibitions to develop the Kingdom's architecture and design sector and its practitioners.