Ithra Participates at Design Doha Biennale, Blending Cultural Heritage with a Modern Artistic Vision

Dhahran, November 6, 2026 – The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a Saudi Aramco initiative, announces its first-ever participation in the Design Doha Biennale. From November 5, 2026, to January 31, 2027, Ithra will present a curated installation, two contemporary workshops, and a panel discussion, demonstrating how creativity can serve as a shared language that connects people, place, and identity.

Through this participation, Ithra strengthens its international design presence as it continues to drive social and cultural impact, nurture creative talent, and evolve the creative ecosystem. It highlights Ithra’s efforts to bridge the gap between traditional craft and modern innovation, creating a living dialogue between enduring traditions and a forward-looking future.

Ithra’s Head of Creativity and Innovation, Sultan AlBadran, said: "Participating in the Design Doha Biennale for the first time provides us an opportunity to create connections between tradition and innovation. Through our participation, Ithra will show how contemporary design can breathe new life into heritage, creating a modern visual dialogue that speaks to a wide and diverse audience."

An Installation Rooted in Memory and Togetherness

Featured in the exhibition is Rooted in Warmth by Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmed. Drawing inspiration from the agricultural heritage of Taif, the installation reimagines familial connections through a contemporary lens. The work features sculptural seating that mirrors the topography of the Taif mountains, draped in hand-woven Sadu carpets in hues inspired by the harvest of the land. By inviting visitors to sit, rest, and share stories, the installation transforms the viewer from a passive observer into an active participant, evoking the same warmth and intimacy of family gatherings.

Workshops & Panel: Design for Discovery and Dialogue

Beyond the installation, Ithra is introducing two immersive workshops and a panel discussion designed to spark curiosity and collective creation:

• Exploring Salt as a Building Material: A journey into the structural possibilities of salt, challenging participants to view raw materials through a lens of sustainable innovation.
• Translating Islamic Art into Graphics: In collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Doha, participants will draw inspiration from the museum's artifacts to rediscover the rich geometry and calligraphy of Islamic art, transforming these timeless elements into modern graphic designs through collage and contemporary techniques.
• Designing Beyond Objects: Heart Centered Experience: Panel Discussion.

Bridges Between Past and Present
Through this participation, Ithra continues to champion design as a medium for storytelling and intercultural dialogue, reinforcing the bond between creative communities and celebrating the fusion of art, architecture, and traditional craft.