Couldn’t join us at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025? Design Insider’s latest Event Report brings you inside one of the most significant gatherings for the global commercial interiors sector, held at Riyadh Front Exhibition Centre.
The report explores the scale, energy, and enormity of opportunity in Saudi Arabia, a market where investment and innovation are rapidly reshaping the design and hospitality landscape. Through exclusive interviews, on-the-ground observations, and supplier spotlights, we uncover the real potential for UK and international businesses looking to engage with this dynamic region.
Industry Voices
The Event Report features exclusive conversations with key industry figures:
- Saeed Albially, Executive Director of Design Development at Rua Al Madinah Holding, outlined the scale of Madinah’s 40,000-key hospitality project, and why it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for global designers and suppliers.
- Nuha Alqahtani, Senior Interior Designer at Arac, spoke about her obsessive attention to detail, empathetic design philosophy, and how Saudi clients are increasingly open to innovation.
- Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), reflected on sustainability as more than certification, the importance of mentorship, and her role as a speaker and moderator across the talks programme.
- Andy Shaw, Chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, shared rapid-fire insights on speed, ambition, and the demands of designing for Saudi Arabia.
- Gabriela Skrobacka, Furniture Designer and Art Director at .mdd, and Aseel Al Tuwairjri, Junior Interior Designer at Roar, discussed their collaboration on an immersive stand experience that explored the emotional and functional stages of a modern workday. Their project highlighted the value of global and regional partnerships in shaping future workplaces.
- Continuing our conversation, Aseel Al Tuwairjri also spoke about Roar’s growing footprint in Saudi Arabia, the appetite for bold, future-focused design, and why international collaboration is crucial in such a fast-evolving market.
- Farhan Rehman, UK graduate and Riyadh resident, shared his energising experience of the show, reflecting on how bold concepts and cultural influences are shaping Saudi’s evolving design landscape.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also contributed valuable market context. Graham Ellis and Safwan Syed described the trillion-dollar scale of development underway, the appetite for British design, and the urgency for UK suppliers to seize the moment.
UK Pavilion: British Design on Show
At the heart of the event, Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) brought together a cohort of British suppliers under the UK Pavilion, supported by DBT. Exhibitors included:
- Loomah – specialists in bespoke carpets and rugs, exhibiting in Saudi for the first time.
- Inspired by Design – lighting manufacturers reinforcing credibility through their UK Pavilion presence.
- Burgess Furniture – highlighting quality British manufacturing with quick-turnaround capability.
- One-LUX – emergency lighting specialists engaging with contractors and consultants across the region.
These suppliers joined forces to underline the strength of UK design and manufacturing, proving the value of collaboration when entering a new market.
Products & Brands Showcase
Across the exhibition, brands from Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Asia demonstrated the diversity of solutions on offer.
Furniture
- Yilka, Leta, and OND presented comprehensive turnkey hospitality solutions.
- Alaqeel Furniture Factory, a Saudi brand with 55 years of history, underlined domestic capacity.
- Quinti (Italy) showcased its workplace and hospitality expertise, returning for a third time.
- Harman Hotel Furniture (China) highlighted turnkey luxury furniture and fit-out services.
Bathrooms
- Villeroy & Boch Group with Ideal Standard launched nature-inspired collections including Antar.
- Tredex presented its international sanitary product portfolio and expansion ambitions.
- Geberit reaffirmed its innovation as pioneers of in-wall framework systems.
- Global leaders Laufen and event sponsor Hohler anchored this sector with strong showcases.
Lighting
- Astro Lighting (UK) returned with Middle East distributor Abensal.
- Estiluz, Karman, and Fafferano brought European creativity to the floor, with Fafferano announcing a new Saudi distributor.
Textiles & Surfaces
- Sarita Handa x Kristina Zanic collaboration impressed with bespoke upholstery and curtain textiles.
- SFC Design, Muir England, and Leata added depth across fabric and wallcovering solutions.
- Artex Industrial Investment Co, Loominology, and Loomah showcased rug and carpet design excellence.
- Fantoni introduced immersive acoustic and workplace solutions.
- Yana Svetlova Wallcoverings highlighted premium decorative finishes.
The Italian Pavilion
A substantial feature of the show, the Italian Pavilion hosted three group stands with a broad spectrum of product types. Notably, it was among the few areas to showcase accessories, scents, and decorative items. Highlights included:
- Mangani1958 – tableware designed in Italy for Saudi domestic needs.
- Logevy – Florentine fragrance house bringing Tuscan tradition to the floor.
- Pinetti – artisanal leatherwork brand presenting luxury accessories and décor pieces.
Why It Matters
INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025 confirmed itself as a vital platform for forging partnerships and unlocking opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. With Vision 2030 driving unprecedented investment in hospitality, tourism, and infrastructure, the design and interiors sector is set to play a central role.
For UK and international suppliers alike, the message was clear: Saudi Arabia is open for business, and the scale of opportunity is extraordinary!