Over 300 designers from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are set to take part in the Design Doha Biennial 2026 opening today (5 November). This year’s edition includes 20 exhibitions and five public design commissions showing how traditional skills and knowledge can present new opportunities.
Fahad Al-Obaidly, Design Doha Director, said in a press conference yesterday at Fereej Al Asmakh in Doha: “This year, Arab designers will have a stage to showcase their work. Over 700 people from around the world are coming to Doha to enjoy celebrating the Arab design scene.”
We want to help spread the cultural heritage of the whole region, not just our local heritage said Al-Obaidly. The event will run until 31 January 2026.
He also commented that many designers from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia face challenges finding collaborators, opportunities and entering international markets. To help them realise their ideas, they need ongoing support and the correct resources.
The first Design Doha in 2024 contributed QR62mn to the economy and 885 job opportunities within Qatar.
How Traditional Knowledge Can Inspire Design
This year’s Design Doha Biennial is themed around ‘The future has roots in the past’, showcasing how traditional knowledge can inspire design.
Visitors will be able to see pieces crafted from traditional materials including clay, wool, glass, aluminium, palm fronds and steel. In addition, the exhibitions will showcase the craftsmen and techniques used.
The programme will include exhibitions, workshops, product showcases, sales and community events within the 61 historic homes in Fereej Al Asmakh.
“This is a key element in building up our heritage destination. We want to bring culture, commerce and production together within our historic area,” says Al-Obaidly. The historic area includes traditional courtyard houses, narrow alleyways known as sikkas, and adapted majlis areas.
Arab Design Now 2026
The main exhibition, Arab Design Now 2026, curated by Noura Al-Sayeh, will showcase designs by 81 designers and design studios. There are 78 new pieces commissioned for the exhibition.
The exhibition will show how traditional materials, techniques and skills can influence design today. However, compared to the first Design Doha, this year’s exhibition will look into why designers chose certain materials and techniques.
Five Public Design Projects
There are five public design projects showcased throughout the biennial. Curated by Javier Pena Ibanez, Public Design Commissions.
“We had over 300 entries from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Our brief was to look into how we can utilise design and architecture to enhance public areas and overcome climate issues,” he said.
After reviewing the proposals from various countries including Morocco, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, the jury chose 10 finalists.
The finalists travelled to factories in Qatar last year to learn about what they can produce locally and how their designs can be realised.
“We focus on how they can realise their ideas. We want to help them go from their initial ideas and make them into real projects,” said Ibanez.
Some of the projects include Falajscape inspired by the traditional falaj water system and Shoreline inspired by Doha’s seafaring history and heritage.
Design Doha Prize
On 7 November, winners of the Design Doha Prize will be announced at the Museum of Islamic Art. 20 finalists were chosen.
Winners will receive QR200,000, mentorship at Vitra Campus, work space at Liwan Design Studios and Labs, and a season of showcasing and selling their products at Liberty London.
They will also receive additional support from DHL, receiving 70% off international shipping, 24 hour logistics support and mentorship. AD Middle East will also provide media coverage.
Design Doha Connect
Design Doha Connect has been launched to grow the buyer network established during the first Design Doha in 2024.
Designers will be connected to buyers, collectors, manufacturers, factories and media. There will also be a buyer networking event hosted by Sotheby’s.
There will also be a separate three day schedule connecting 325 designers from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia currently in Doha.
“Designers will have opportunities to connect with media outlets, buyers and institutions that commission design projects. Designers that take part will have priority to all events and will not need to pre-register,” said Glenn Adamson, Artistic Director of Design Doha Biennial.
