Driving Saudi Design

Saudi Design Week curators and co-founders Basma and Noura Bouzo reveal why their fifth edition is their most important to-date.

- Joanne Molina

As a proud media partner of Saudi Design Week (SDW) 2018, id had the chance to speak with founders and curators Basma and Noura Bouzo about this important anniversary that marks half a decade of the event that brings together designers and creators for a global conversation in Riyadh about the future of innovation in the region and beyond.

“This year’s event [which takes place from 4 to 7 October] will surprise visitors when they see how each designer has tackled [the subject of] sustainability. The event will immerse the visitor in the theme through products and interactive installations that will put them at the centre of ‘Sustainability and Design’,” says Basma.

Over 80 participants from exhibitors occupying more than 5000 m2 of space and showing 30 unique design activations, including the Material Lab and Design Market, will explore the theme throughout the week.

The organisers selected this year’s theme of ‘Sustainability and Design’ because of its indisputable impact on the region and the world. Focusing specifically on technology and innovation from across disciplines, the thoughtfully curated events will bring together many voices to discuss diverse approaches to problem-solving and reimagining solutions.

“Sustainability is very important worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, we live in a mostly desert nation, yet all resources are available to us abundantly. Without appreciating and fostering sustainability we risk losing a lot of resources and this is a very important point that we would like all our designers to make this year,” says Basma.