Design Doha – Celebrating design excellence in the MENA region

If all roads lead to Rome, how many roads lead to Design? At DesignWanted, we are constantly driven to discover new trends and innovations globally, in search of all the possible ways in which design manifests itself. For this reason, we couldn’t overlook Design Doha, a profound expression of Qatar Museums’ mission to showcase the finest design from the MENA region.

Design Doha embraces the cultural roots of the region, preserving and utilizing them to enhance its design legacy. More importantly, it aims to create tangible opportunities that benefit the local community before reaching the market. Combining arts, visions, heritage, and experimentation, Design Doha stands out as a significant initiative on the international design landscape.

In our view, the most intriguing aspect of this platform is its ability to synergistically blend various disciplines and actors, creating a collaborative circuit from which both emerging talents and seasoned professionals can draw to benefit the community. Many initiatives are now taken for granted, but the truth is that hosting events alone does not generate value. As always, a long-term vision and practical implementation that reflects this foresight are essential.

To learn more about Design Doha and the broader context of Design in Qatar, we interviewed Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnership – Design Doha Biennale, Chairperson’s Office. His insights clarified the motivations behind Design Doha, the key players involved, and the goals set by Qatari institutions. Enjoy the read.

Can you share the motivation behind the initiation of Design Doha?

Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly:

“The inception of Design Doha is rooted in the broader mission of Qatar Museums to globally showcase the contributions of Arab and Islamic civilisations in the fields of innovation and culture. Design Doha, through its biennial format, aims to reinforce the creative expression of the MENA region. The festival celebrates design excellence from the Arab world by highlighting transformative figures in the design industry and demonstrating their contributions to addressing social issues and enhancing the quality of life for all.”

What makes Doha an ideal city to showcase design excellence for the MENA region?

Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly:

“Since its establishment, Qatar Museums has been dedicated to narrating the story of the region through various cultural and creative programmes. Doha, known for hosting international events and forums since the 1980s, has established itself as a central stage for celebrating and connecting the MENA region with global communities. The city’s role in hosting events like the World Cup exemplifies Arabic hospitality and openness, which are integral to its identity. Additionally, Doha’s urban planning and development, such as the Msheireb Downtown project, reflect strategic thinking and a commitment to sustainability. The city’s designation as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2021 further underscores its ideal position to showcase design excellence in the region.”

What unique contributions does the MENA region offer to the global design community?

Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly:

“The MENA region brings a unique focus on the human experience within the built environment, emphasizing cultural heritage and the narrative of its people and land. Through initiatives like Arab Design Now, designs and objects are deeply connected to ancestral heritage and local environments, offering a rich and inspiring human legacy. The Design Doha Forum, part of the biennale’s main program, addresses critical topics such as crafting futures, design ecosystems, branding, and urbanism, featuring speakers who present innovative ideas and projects. This approach enriches the global design community by presenting unique and inspiring perspectives from the region.”

How does Design Doha aim to influence design conversations on local, regional, and international levels?

Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly:

“Design Doha, particularly through Arab Design Now, serves as the primary platform for showcasing MENA region design innovation. It highlights significant advancements in making, creative production solutions, and compelling narratives that inspire future generations. By curating exhibitions in collaboration with other international biennales and commissioning Arab designers for global projects, Design Doha connects regional design with global platforms. For instance, the recent project with Zaha Hadid in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation provided sustainable shelter and educational facilities for displaced families in northern Syria, exemplifying its influence on global design conversations.”

What are the future aspirations and directions for Design Doha?

Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly:

“Design Doha aspires to continue building an inclusive platform that welcomes great thinkers and innovators to contribute to the region’s narrative of “building our spaces and cities to improve the quality of living for everyone.” The aim is to keep the human experience at the core of designing homes, classrooms, cities, and public spaces. By telling the story of the region’s contributions, Design Doha seeks to ensure that the MENA region’s innovative and cultural legacy is recognized and celebrated globally.”