The first book exploring the design landscape of the MENA region
Published by Qatar Museums in partnership with Silvana Editoriale, the 360-page Arab Design Now book, richly illustrated in full color and edited by curator Rana Beiruti, celebrates the main exhibition of the first edition of Design Doha.
Design Doha, Qatar Museums’ biennial celebration of design excellence and innovation in Qatar and the MENA region, has launched Arab Design Now—a groundbreaking exploration of local and regional talent across various disciplines, including architectural and material innovations, contemporary crafts, furniture, fashion, graphic, and object design.
This catalog includes interviews with designers, partner organizations, critics, curators, and industry professionals. It stands as an invaluable resource for understanding design in the Arab world.
“This landmark publication is a long overdue survey of the vibrancy of Arab design and a deep dive into the creative processes of the amazing designers featured in Arab Design Now. This publication marks a significant moment for Design Doha as we prepare for our second edition in 2026. I am confident that this publication will not only become an essential reader for the advanced dialogues about design in the MENA region, but also elevate the distinctive practices of our leading practitioners on the global stage.” says Fahad Al Obaidly, Acting Director of Programming and Partnerships of Design Doha.
The book’s design follows an interstellar theme, inspired by the symbolic meaning of stars in Arab culture. Each artist and collective featured is imagined as a key point within a vast network, like stars in the night sky, forming a constellation of diverse creative perspectives.
Arab Design Now features a foreword by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and an introduction by Glenn Adamson, Artistic Director of Design Doha. It also includes essays by Rana Beiruti and curator Noura Al Sayeh-Holtrop, exploring the diverse practices and philosophies that define contemporary design in the region. The book profiles over 70 designers across architecture, furniture design, and craft.
Focusing on themes of material and visual culture, environmental innovation, and the creative use of materials, as well as technique, detail, pattern, and aesthetics, the volume showcases design excellence from the Levant, the Gulf, and North Africa. Rather than relying on globalized or imported design trends, the exhibition offers a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of creativity in the MENA region today.
The publication’s launch event, supported by The Ned Doha, was held at the hotel’s Private Members Club on September 28. The evening featured a presentation and book signing by editor Rana Beiruti. The book is on sale now and available worldwide in both English and Arabic editions.
