Salone del Mobile.Milano has officially launched in Riyadh for the first time with an event titled “Red in Progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh.” This landmark exhibition took place from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Saudi Arabia, marking the prestigious Italian design fair’s Middle East debut.
The launch event was held in strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture. It aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to position itself as a global hub for design and creativity.
The event brought together over 35 premium Italian design brands alongside Saudi designers, architects, and developers, fostering business dialogue and collaboration aimed at advancing innovation and sustainability in Saudi Arabia’s developmental projects.
The program combined cultural activities and business engagement. It included masterclasses, panel discussions, and round tables led by prominent figures from Italy and Saudi Arabia, focused on urban transformation, sustainable design, and architecture case studies.
A Business Lounge designed by the renowned Lissoni & Partners served as a professional meeting space for B2B interactions with Saudi decision-makers. Additionally, site visits to major Saudi giga-projects were arranged to create direct business opportunities between Italian design enterprises and Saudi stakeholders.
A Lifestyle Area promoted Italian and Saudi culinary experiences, facilitating informal networking and cultural exchange. This inaugural event serves as a precursor to a larger, more structured Salone del Mobile fair planned for Riyadh in 2026. Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano emphasized plans to expand the event to include a broader exhibitor base and a deeper business ecosystem while maintaining a strong focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and professional excellence in tune with the Saudi context.
The event also highlights a strategic collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ICE-ITA (Italian Trade Agency). It aims to strengthen creative and economic ties, enhance knowledge sharing, and promote sustainable development as key pillars of economic diplomacy.
Salone del Mobile.Milano, established in 1961, is recognized globally as a benchmark for high-quality design and furnishing. Its arrival in Riyadh signals a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its creative economy and expand its role as a global cultural player.
Image Credit – salonemilano.it
