Ithra Announces Registration for Design Challenges as part of Ithra Design Week

Ithra Announces Registration for Design Challenges as part of Ithra Design Week
90 Participants from the Around the World to Shape Creative Ideas. 

DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, September 7, 2026 – The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an Aramco initiative, has opened registration for the 8th edition of Ithra Design Challenges. This six-day design challenge features four creative tracks and will take place as part of Ithra Design Week from November 16-21 at Ithra in Dhahran. 

Positioning design as a lens for inquiry and future-making, Ithra Design Week fuels exchange across disciplines, cultures, and ways of thinking, making a direct contribution to the creative economy in Saudi Arabia and beyond.  This year’s theme, “What is the Next Norm?”, encourages participants to challenge existing assumptions and develop adaptive, forward-thinking solutions rather than simply replacing current ones. 

The Design Challenges 

90 shortlisted participants from across the globe will compete across four specialized tracks:
•    Urban Spaces: Designing lightweight, open-ended playgrounds to spark curiosity and spontaneous play in cities.
•    Product Design: Reimagining classroom seating as flexible tools that enhance student engagement and well-being.
•    Visual Communication: Creating a modern visual language to improve the accessibility and experience of electric mobility in Saudi Arabia.
•    Global Impact: Developing multidisciplinary solutions to help communities adapt and thrive amidst extreme heat.⁠⁠
Participants will engage in an intensive schedule of workshops and talks, utilizing design thinking to develop practical solutions under tight deadlines.⁠⁠ One winning project from each track will be recognized at the closing ceremony and will advance to a development phase with a production partner. All winning projects will be featured in a curated Ithra exhibition in 2027.

Exploring the Design Districts
Ithra Design Week will be hosted across four thematic districts:
•    The Scene: The hub for workshops and the venue for the Design Challenges.
•    The Agora: An open-air space featuring art installations and interactive experiences focused on inclusivity.
•    The Hype: A large-scale exhibition showcasing the work of design graduates.
•    The Canvas: An architectural exploration of large-scale design installations within the Desert Garden.
Registration is open until October 24 via the challenges page on the official Ithra website:⁠⁠ Ithra Design Challenges | Ithra.