The Mandarin Oriental Doha, a beacon of luxury and sustainability in the heart of Qatar’s capital, has been selected to host the 2025 edition of the Innovation by Design Summit. Organized by Fast Company Middle East in collaboration with Msheireb Properties, the summit will take place on September 24, 2025, bringing together leaders in design, business, and technology to explore the transformative power of design. This event underscores Doha’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative design and sustainable urban development.
A Platform for Design-Driven Innovation
The Innovation by Design Summit is a premier event that celebrates design-driven innovation and its impact across industries. Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, the 2025 edition will delve into how design thinking influences technology, sustainability, and consumer experience, offering attendees actionable insights for a better future. The summit will feature an engaging lineup of panels, workshops, and fireside chats, providing opportunities to learn from industry leaders, design experts, artists, and architects about groundbreaking projects that showcase design’s potential to transform lives.
A highlight of the summit will be the Innovation in Design Awards, which recognize pioneers whose creative work has significantly impacted society. The awards celebrate design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, spotlighting projects that address individual, community, and global challenges. Over 60 submissions have already been received for the 2025 awards, with entries open until August 18, 2025, reflecting the region’s vibrant creative potential, according to Fast Company Middle East.
A Venue Rooted in Sustainable Design
Mandarin Oriental Doha is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of architectural innovation and sustainable construction. Located in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, the hotel itself is a LEED Gold-certified building, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. Designed by John McAslan + Partners with interiors by David Collins Studio and Jouin Manku, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with traditional Qatari heritage. Its architecture pays homage to the region’s cultural roots while incorporating state-of-the-art amenities and sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials John McAslan + Partners.
The hotel overlooks Al Baraha Square, the largest covered open-air square in the Middle East, and accommodates 123 guest rooms, 35 suites, and 91 apartment residences. Its design integrates with the historic streets, lanes, and courtyards of Msheireb, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. The interiors, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflect Qatar’s cultural heritage while offering a modern, luxurious experience David Collins Studio.
Msheireb Downtown Doha: A Model of Sustainable Urban Development
Msheireb Downtown Doha, where the Mandarin Oriental is located, is a groundbreaking development that has transformed the old commercial district of Doha into a modern, sustainable urban center. Spanning 31 hectares, the project, which began construction in 2010 and was completed in 2021, cost approximately $5.5 billion. It is promoted as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project and one of the smartest cities on earth, strategically located in the heart of Doha Msheireb Properties.
The development boasts over 99 buildings with LEED Gold or Platinum certifications, making it one of the most sustainable urban projects globally. It includes residential, commercial, retail, and cultural spaces, all designed with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. A key feature is its underground infrastructure, including one of the world’s largest underground car parks with 10,017 spaces, recognized by Guinness World Records in 2024. This design reduces car use at ground level, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and reclaiming outdoor spaces for the Msheireb Properties community.
The master plan, developed by Allies and Morrison with Arup and AECOM, champions environmental and cultural sustainability. It incorporates traditional Qatari architectural elements, such as compact urban blocks and shaded alleyways, to create a pedestrian-friendly environment suited to Doha’s hot climate. The project also includes a major metro station, serving as a hub for Doha’s subway system, further promoting sustainable transport by Allies and Morrison.
A Fitting Venue for Innovation
The choice of Mandarin Oriental Doha as the venue for the Innovation by Design Summit is no coincidence. The hotel and its surrounding Msheireb Downtown Doha development embody the principles of innovative design and sustainability that the summit seeks to promote. The development’s focus on blending modern technology with cultural heritage aligns with the summit’s themes of creating meaningful, impactful design solutions.
Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Senior Director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, emphasized the significance of the event: “The quality and quantity of submissions we’ve received for the Innovation in Design Awards confirm the creative potential within our region. These awards showcase how design can provide solutions to real-world challenges while pushing aesthetic boundaries.” The Peninsula Qatar.
Event Details and Impact
The 2025 Innovation by Design Summit will take place on September 24, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Doha, offering a perfect blend of luxury, innovation, and sustainability. The event promises to be a gathering of forward-thinking minds, fostering collaboration and inspiring the next wave of design-driven innovation. With its focus on sustainability, inclusion, and emerging technologies, the summit will likely contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a global hub for design and innovation, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The following table summarizes key details about the event and venue:
| Aspect | Details |
| Event Name | Innovation by Design Summit 2025 |
| Date | September 24, 2025 |
| Venue | Mandarin Oriental Doha, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar |
| Organizers | Fast Company Middle East, Msheireb Properties |
| Key Themes | Design-driven innovation, sustainability, technology, consumer experience |
| Awards | Innovation in Design Awards, recognizing impactful design projects |
| Venue Features | LEED Gold-certified, designed by John McAslan + Partners, Qatari heritage |
| Msheireb Downtown Doha | World’s first sustainable downtown regeneration, 99+ LEED-certified buildings |
The Mandarin Oriental Doha and Msheireb Downtown Doha together represent a pinnacle of sustainable urban development and architectural innovation, making them the ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to shaping the future through design. As Doha continues to establish itself as a global design hub, the 2025 Innovation by Design Summit will likely play a pivotal role in inspiring and empowering a new generation of designers and innovators.
