Design Doha Announces Second Edition Program

Design Doha, Qatar’s premier contemporary design platform, is set to hold its second edition from November 5, 2026, to January 31, 2027. This biennial event is poised to showcase the innovative work of over one hundred multidisciplinary designers and studios hailing from across the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) and their diasporas. For its 2026 iteration, the event will center its activities in Fereej Al Asmakh, one of Doha’s most significant heritage districts, transforming this historic area into a vibrant hub of design and cultural exchange.

Design Doha was established under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to fostering a dynamic design ecosystem. The 2026 edition is led by Director of Design Doha Fahad Al Obaidly, with Glenn Adamson serving as Artistic Director, guiding the curatorial vision and strategic direction of the platform. Organizers have stated that Design Doha 2026 marks a significant expansion in its scale, ambition, and international reach, building substantially on the foundations laid by its inaugural edition in 2024. This growth shows the event's increasing prominence as a global platform for design dialogue and innovation.

Expanded Program Notes

The biennial event is meticulously planned to present more than 15 distinct exhibitions, with "Arab Design Now 2026" serving as the highly anticipated headline showcase. This major exhibition, which is curated by the esteemed Noura Al Sayeh, promises a full exploration of contemporary design. It will bring together 81 designers, feature 78 new commissions specifically created for the event, and include 15 compelling films, offering a multifaceted view of design practices. The participating designers represent an impressive 27 countries, demonstrating the broad geographical scope and diverse talent pool contributing to the exhibition. These designers work across more than 15 different design disciplines, noting the interdisciplinary nature of modern design. "Arab Design Now 2026" will delve into the nuances of contemporary design in the Arab world through five carefully considered thematic frameworks, providing visitors with a structured and insightful journey through the region’s creative landscape.

Design Doha 2026 will also proudly launch its Public Design Commissions, an initiative curated by Javier Peña Ibáñez. This program saw ten distinguished designers, architects, and urban practitioners selected through a rigorous open call process, tasked with reimagining and enhancing public spaces throughout Qatar. The initiative will culminate in five winning proposals being transformed into context-responsive installations, which are designed to activate and enrich various public spaces across the vibrant city of Doha. These installations aim to integrate art and design smoothly into the urban fabric, creating engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the internationally recognized Mexico-based designer Fernando Laposse will present a unique exhibition. His showcase will focus on critical themes such as systems of cultivation, community engagement, and the transformative potential of materials, offering a profound commentary on sustainable design practices and their societal impact.

Design Doha Prize and Awards

The prestigious Design Doha Prize will make its anticipated return in 2026, serving as a cornerstone of the biennial event. This significant award recognizes and celebrates excellence within the design field, with four distinguished winners selected across the categories of Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent. The Design Doha Prize is chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, whose leadership further elevates the prize's standing. The recipients of these accolades will be determined by a distinguished 24-member international jury, a panel composed of leading figures in the global design community, headed by the acclaimed India Mahdavi. The winners of the Design Doha Prize are scheduled to be officially announced on November 7, 2026, marking a key moment in the biennial's calendar. This recognition aims to provide significant impetus to the careers of the winning designers, further solidifying their contributions to the global design discourse.

Heritage District as Hub

Fereej Al Asmakh is designated to serve as a central hub for Design Doha 2026, showing a deliberate effort to integrate contemporary design within a historically rich setting. This historic district, one of Doha's most significant heritage areas, will function as a dynamic site for cultural production, fostering community engagement, and driving design-led urban renewal throughout the biennial event. Its key role as a focal point aims to smoothly integrate contemporary design practices within a significant heritage area, illustrating how design can contribute meaningfully to both artistic expression and urban revitalization. This innovative approach intends to foster meaningful interactions between local communities and the international design participants, offering a truly dynamic environment for showcasing creative works and exchanging ideas. The strategic selection of Fereej Al Asmakh further shows an earnest effort to highlight the district's unique character and historical significance, while simultaneously positioning it as a vibrant and forward-thinking center for innovation during the festival. This integration ensures that the event not only showcases global design trends but also pays homage to and revitalizes local heritage.

International Collaboration and Vision

The four Design Doha Prize winners will be granted a full support package, designed to significantly advance their professional journeys. This package comprises QAR 800,000 in funding, providing key financial assistance for their projects and ventures. Beyond monetary support, the winners will also receive invaluable mentorship from established figures in the design industry, offering guidance and expertise. They will be presented with unique opportunities to further develop their work, expanding their reach and impact.

Additionally, Design Doha will forge a significant partnership with institutions and designers from across Mexico, as an integral part of Qatar’s 2026 Years of Culture initiative. This collaboration is specifically designed to foster strong international exchange, promoting a cross-cultural dialogue in the realm of design. The partnership aims to highlight the exceptional design talent prevalent in both regions, creating a platform for shared learning, inspiration, and mutual recognition. This initiative not only broadens the international scope of Design Doha but also strengthens cultural ties between Qatar and Mexico, showcasing the universal language of design.