Doha Design Biennial 2026 Announces Expanded Program, New Venue

Qatar Museums announced the expanded second edition of the Doha Design Biennial 2026 program, scheduled to run from November 5, 2026, to January 31, 2027. This extensive duration, spanning nearly three months, allows for a full engagement with the diverse offerings of the biennial. The upcoming biennial will be hosted in the Al Asmakh area, a heritage district within Doha, providing a culturally rich backdrop for the event. This edition represents a significant expansion of the first biennial, which was held in 2024, reflecting a growing commitment to design and creative expression in the region. The program will feature more than 15 exhibitions and large-scale public art commissions, showing its ambitious scope. The Doha Design Biennial was founded under the leadership of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums' Board of Trustees, whose vision has been instrumental in establishing this significant cultural platform.

Ambitious Program Unveiled

The biennial will highlight the creations of designers from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, alongside those in diaspora, fostering a broad representation of talent and perspectives. A central feature of the program is the "Design Arabia Now 2026" exhibition, curated by Nora Al-Sayeh. This exhibition is set to showcase 81 designers and 78 commissioned artworks, offering a profound exploration of contemporary design. Additionally, "Design Arabia Now 2026" will incorporate 15 films into its presentation, providing multi-faceted insights into design processes and narratives. Participating designers in the exhibition represent 27 countries, reflecting a broad international scope and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Their designs span over 15 fields, including architecture, furniture and product design, crafts, urban planning, and sound and environmental design, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of modern design practice.

The Al Asmakh district will serve as the main hub for the 2026 biennial, hosting many of its events and exhibitions. This choice of venue leverages the historical character of the district, integrating contemporary design within a rich heritage context. "Design Arabia Now 2026" will explore contemporary design in the Arab world through five distinct themes, each offering a unique lens through which to understand regional design practices and their global connections. These themes are: Narrative and Ornamentation, delving into storytelling and aesthetic traditions; Land and Agricultural Practices, examining the relationship between design, environment, and sustenance; Spaces of Production and Extraction, exploring the sites and processes of material transformation; Craft, Technology and Society, investigating the interplay between traditional skills, modern innovations, and social impact; and Belonging and Migration, addressing themes of identity, displacement, and cultural exchange through design. These thematic explorations aim to provide a full and nuanced understanding of design's role in shaping contemporary Arab societies.

The biennial plans to present exhibitions in collaboration with several institutions, enhancing its reach and collaborative spirit. These partners include the Jebel Fairoz Foundation, known for its cultural initiatives; Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional crafts; King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a leading cultural hub; and Liwan Design Studios and Labs, fostering design education and innovation, among others. These collaborations show the biennial's commitment to presenting a diverse and high-quality program. A dedicated "Public Design Commissions" program is also part of the expanded schedule. Curated by Javier Peña Ibáñez, this program will feature ten selected creatives, comprising designers, architects, and urban planners, who will be tasked with reimagining public spaces across Qatar. This initiative aims to integrate design directly into the urban fabric, creating lasting public installations that engage with the community and enhance the built environment. The focus on public spaces emphasizes accessibility and the transformative power of design beyond gallery walls.

Awards and International Collaboration

The Doha Design Award in its 2026 edition will recognize four winners across the categories of Crafts, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent. This award serves as a significant platform for acknowledging excellence and innovation within the design community. Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani chairs the award, overseeing its strategic direction and significance within the biennial's program, ensuring its alignment with Qatar Museums' broader cultural objectives. The international jury responsible for selecting these recipients is chaired by Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi, bringing an esteemed perspective to the evaluation process. Her expertise and global recognition contribute to the credibility and prestige of the award. The announcement of the award winners is scheduled for November 7, 2026, marking a key moment early in the biennial's extensive run and setting a tone of celebration for creative achievement.

Each of the four award winners will receive a full support package designed to foster their development and career trajectory. This package includes a substantial 800,000 Qatari Riyals in funding, providing significant financial backing for their projects and future endeavors, enabling them to pursue ambitious creative undertakings. Beyond monetary support, the winners will also benefit from mentorship opportunities, connecting them with experienced professionals and leaders in the design field. This mentorship is key for professional growth, offering guidance, insights, and networking opportunities. Further, the package offers opportunities to develop and showcase their work, ensuring visibility and platforms for their creative output within the design community and to a broader public. These opportunities include participation in exhibitions, workshops, and other biennial-related events, amplifying their presence and impact. The holistic nature of this support package reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the long-term success of emerging and established designers.

As part of the 2026 Years of Culture initiative, the biennial is forging significant partnerships with institutions and designers from Mexico. This collaboration aims to create a cross-cultural dialogue and exchange of ideas, noting the design traditions and innovations from both regions. The Years of Culture program, a flagship initiative of Qatar Museums, fosters understanding between nations through mutual exchange of arts, culture, heritage, and sport. The partnership with Mexico for the 2026 biennial specifically focuses on design, recognizing its universal language and its capacity to bridge cultural divides. A central feature of this international partnership is a large exhibition by Mexico-based designer Fernando Laposse. His exhibition will explore complex themes related to agricultural systems, societal structures, and material transformations, drawing connections between the environmental and cultural histories of both Mexico and Qatar. This focus provides a unique lens through which to understand shared challenges and innovative solutions in design and sustainability, promoting a global perspective on these critical issues.

Leadership and Vision

Fahad Al-Obaidli will serve as the director for the Doha Design Biennial's 2026 edition, overseeing the overall execution and strategic direction of the event. His role involves coordinating the myriad components of the biennial, from logistical arrangements to ensuring the smooth integration of all programs and partnerships. Glenn Adamson has been appointed as the artistic director for the same 2026 edition, responsible for shaping the biennial's creative vision and curatorial framework. Adamson's expertise will guide the thematic coherence and artistic quality of the exhibitions and public commissions, ensuring a compelling and thought-provoking experience for visitors. Together, Al-Obaidli and Adamson will lead the biennial's team in delivering a world-class event that resonates both locally and internationally.

The biennial plans to publish two bilingual publications as part of its program, ensuring full documentation and wider accessibility of its content. One publication will focus specifically on the "Design Arabia Now 2026" exhibition, providing detailed insights into its themes, featured designers, and artworks. This dedicated volume will serve as a lasting record of the exhibition's contributions to contemporary design discourse. The second publication will offer a full overview of the entire biennial's scope, encompassing its various exhibitions, public art commissions, and related initiatives. This broader publication will capture the essence of the 2026 edition, noting its impact and the diverse range of creative endeavors presented. These bilingual publications aim to document the event and expand its reach beyond the physical installations, making its intellectual and artistic contributions accessible to a global audience long after the biennial concludes.