Unleash your inner innovator and challenge your creativity by taking on the Ithra Design Challenge! 


Ithra Design Challenges is a dynamic six-day design sprint that offers a unique opportunity for designers across all disciplines to tackle real-world problems while fostering creativity, design thinking, and collaboration. 90 shortlisted participants from all over the world will get the opportunity to craft original, practical solutions within tight timeframes and limited resources. Each of the 4 challenges welcomes 20 to 30 participants (individuals or in teams) to put their creative skill sets to the test.

 

Supported by challenge partners and a supplementary program of workshops and talks, participants will gain the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to tackle their challenge briefs and propose practical solutions.
One winning project from each track will be selected for recognition in the Ithra Design Week closing ceremony. The selected project will then be pushed to the next stage of the challenge, working closely with the production partner to further develop and fabricate the project. All the selected projects will be featured as developed outcomes in an exhibition curated by Ithra in 2027.

 

This year, Ithra Design Challenges invites innovators to ask: What is the next norm? What feels fixed is often simply unexamined. Yet as the world shifts, so do we, offering opportunities for design to respond, adapt, and reconfigure what we’ve come to accept as standard. Rather than replacing what already exists, participants are encouraged to question the assumptions that shape it and reimagine them through design. In a world defined by constant change, the most impactful solutions are those that remain responsive, adaptable, and open to evolution, to design beyond norms. 

Challenge Outcomes 

Gain knowledge

 Participants will join a journey of collaborative innovation across various industries. Each challenge will welcome 20 to 30 participants to transform their ideas into tangible products with the help of challenge partners, a supporting program of workshops and expert guidance.

Gain knowledge

See your idea come to life

Beyond the one-week challenge, the Tanween journey extends through a comprehensive production phase, culminating in real-world applications that contribute positively to society and our planet.

See your idea come to life

Collaborate with production partners

The challenges not only foster professional growth and networking but also connect talented individuals with institutions and potential professional paths. Participants have the chance to witness their projects’ full execution until they enter the market, gaining financial returns and ensuring our shared legacy is marked by wisdom, compassion and stewardship for the Earth.

Collaborate with production partners

The Challenges

Global Impact Challenge Global Impact Challenge

Global Impact Challenge

16th November 2026

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM · 4 hrs

18+ Years

Arabic, English

Product Design Challenge Product Design Challenge

Product Design Challenge

16th November 2026

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM · 4 hrs

18+ years

Arabic, English

Urban Spaces Challenge Urban Spaces Challenge

Urban Spaces Challenge

16th November 2026

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM · 4 hrs

18+ Years

Arabic, English

Visual Communication Challenge Visual Communication Challenge

Visual Communication Challenge

16th November 2026

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM · 4 hrs

18+ Years

Arabic, English

Program Timeline

1

Registration closes: October 24, 2026

2

Challenges start: November 16, 2026

3

Challenges end: November 21, 2026

4

Winning projects production phase start: December 1, 2026

5

Winning projects production phase end: April 1, 2027

Knowledge Partners

Productions Partners

FAQ's

What are the Design Challenges?

Design Challenges are six-day design sprints where creatives work with experts to turn ideas into real-world solutions. In 2026, participants from around the world will take on a challenge from one of the four tracks:
- Urban Spaces Design Challenge
- Product Design Challenge
- Visual Communication Design Challenge
- Global Impact Challenge
 

Can I participate in more than one challenge?

No, the four challenges are scheduled in the same week. You will not be able to attend more than one challenge. 

Can I participate with a previous idea I had and develop it during the challenge?

No. All ideas must be original and related to the objectives and goals of the challenge. 

I study/work in a non-design field which means I have no professional experience as a designer, can I still join the challenge?

Yes, you don’t have to be a designer to join the challenges. 

Are these challenges open for international participants?

Yes, we accept participants from all over the world to participate in the challenges.

Where do the challenges take place?

All challenges take place in the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), during Ithra Design Week. 

Do I have to pay a fee in order to participate in the Ithra Design Challenges?

Participating in the Ithra Design Challenges are free but you will need to submit an application and receive a formal acceptance from Ithra. You can access the Ithra Design Challenges application on the Challenges webpage.

Can I apply to the Ithra Design Challenges as part of a team?

Yes, but each team member will have to apply individually. Note: Each team should consist of a minimum of three members, and a maximum of five members.

What is the prize?

Winners of the Ithra Design Challenges will participate in an intensive program after Ithra Design Week to produce and further develop their projects, supported of the challenge’s production partner, from December 2026 to April 2027. All winning projects will be showcased in the Ithra Design Challenges exhibition during Ithra Design Week 2027.

I’ve registered for a challenge but I didn’t receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

All applications go through a selection process by the Ithra team. You’ll receive a confirmation email upon selection and acceptance.

Over the Years

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