INDEX Saudi Arabia opens in Riyadh with Architecture and Design Commission as Strategic Partner, spotlighting the Kingdom’s evolving design landscape

 INDEX Saudi Arabia 2026 officially opened under the patronage of the Architecture and Design Commission, the event’s Strategic Partner for the third consecutive year. Running from 15–17 September 2026, the event welcomes the design and interiors community to this year’s edition as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the development of its built environment and design industries.

Held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC), INDEX Saudi Arabia brings together industry professionals, products and ideas that are helping shape the Kingdom’s evolving design landscape, across sectors including furniture, lighting, surfaces, flooring, interior fit-out, textiles, décor, kitchen solutions and home automation.

More than SAR 4.88 trillion worth of real estate and infrastructure projects have been announced across Saudi Arabia since the launch of Vision 2030, creating significant opportunities across the Kingdom’s design, interiors and fit-out sectors (Source: Knight Frank). Saudi Arabia’s interior fit-out market is expected to reach approximately SAR 31.3 billion by 2031, reinforcing demand for the design, materials, furnishings and solutions needed to bring the Kingdom’s expanding pipeline of projects to life (Source: TechSci Research). 

Elaine O’Connell, Senior Vice President – Design and Hospitality Division at dmg events, said: “INDEX Saudi Arabia brings together a design community that is increasingly confident in its own identity while remaining connected to ideas and innovation from around the world. What stands out this year is the strength of Saudi participation, from established industry leaders to emerging talent, alongside international brands bringing products, expertise and new perspectives to the Kingdom.”

Built on heritage. Designed for tomorrow. 

Under the overall show theme “Built on heritage. Designed for tomorrow.”, INDEX Saudi Arabia will explore the role of cultural identity in contemporary Saudi design, from the materials and craftsmanship being used to the way new hospitality, residential and commercial spaces respond to their surroundings.

The theme will run across the event’s content and features, bringing Saudi and international perspectives together to examine how heritage, functionality and modern design are being interpreted across the Kingdom.

Inside INDEX Saudi Arabia 2026

A key feature of the 2026 edition will be INDEX Design Talks, where more than 60 architects, interior designers, fit-out specialists, developers, project owners and industry experts will take part, with Saudi speakers accounting for more than half of the programme. The programme will explore key themes shaping Saudi Arabia’s design sector, including “Designing Saudi Identity – Five Projects, Five Approaches,” “Inside the Client Mindset – What Clients Really Want from Design Teams,” and “Reality Check – How Do We Build the Next Generation of Designers?”

INDEX Saudi Arabia will also spotlight the next generation of Saudi design talent through INDEX Future Stars, which will see final-year interior design students from 11 Saudi universities present their projects to leading design professionals and compete for internship opportunities.

Returning for a second year, Trend Tours will offer visitors a curated journey across the show floor, highlighting key brands, products and emerging design trends. Developed in collaboration with industry partners CIOB and RIBA, the tours will provide expert-led insights into the innovations shaping the sector.

INDEX Saudi Arabia will be co-located with Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, bringing the interiors and hospitality value chains together and creating a complementary sourcing and networking platform for architects, designers, developers, hotel operators, procurement professionals, contractors and suppliers.

For attendance, visitors can register via the official event website at www.index-saudi.com. Attendance is free for visitors aged 18 and above.  

– Ends –