Salone del Mobile.Milano Debuts in Riyadh with “Red in Progress”
From 26 to 28 November 2025, Salone del Mobile.Milano will make its Middle East debut in Riyadh with the launch event Red in progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh. Held in strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the event marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its ambitions to become a global design hub.
Announced during the Cultural Investment Conference by Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, and Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, the initiative aims to foster collaboration between Italian and Saudi designers, promote sustainable innovation, and strengthen professional ties across the design and furniture industries.
The event will take place in the King Abdullah Financial District and feature over 35 Italian brands alongside Saudi designers. It serves as a preview of a larger annual Salone del Mobile event planned for Riyadh in 2026. The partnership between Federlegno Arredo Eventi S.p.A. and the Architecture and Design Commission focuses on training, standards, and translating design ideas into real spaces and cities.
Dr. Al-Solaiman emphasized that the event will position Saudi Arabia on the global design stage, encouraging knowledge-sharing, investment, and collaboration. Maria Porro described Riyadh as “the place where vision becomes city,” highlighting the event’s role in facilitating business meetings, sharing expertise, and accelerating innovation and sustainability in Saudi development projects.
A striking installation by Giò Forma will define the event space, using red as a symbol of energy and future. The installation will feature furnishings, lighting, and accessories from Italian companies known for quality and innovation. A modular scaffolding structure wrapped in semi-transparent red fabric will transform the language of construction into a cultural platform.
The cultural program will include masterclasses and round tables led by prominent figures from both countries, focusing on urban transformation and design case studies. A Business Lounge designed by Lissoni & Partners will host meetings with Saudi decision-makers, while site visits to giga-projects will create B2B opportunities.
A Lifestyle Area will showcase Italian and Saudi food and beverage brands, promoting the rituals of Italian living and encouraging informal interaction. Institutional showcases and the Designed in Saudi initiative will highlight key national projects and support local talent.
The event is supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), reinforcing Italy’s commitment to promoting design abroad and strengthening cultural and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.
About Salone del Mobile.Milano
Since 1961, Salone del Mobile.Milano has been a global benchmark for design and furnishings. More than a trade fair, it is an ecosystem that accelerates business and fosters innovation. The annual April event includes four exhibitions and alternating biennials, alongside Salone Satellite, a launchpad for young designers. In 2024, the fair welcomed nearly 2,000 exhibitors and over 302,000 attendees, 68% of whom were international professionals.
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