Stay ahead of the curve with Design Radar, your curated guide to the most influential design fairs, exhibitions, and creative events across the Middle East and surrounding regions. From iconic annual showcases to hidden gems, we bring you a year-round calendar of must-attend happenings in architecture, art, interiors, and design.
Whether you’re looking to network with industry leaders, gain inspiration from cutting-edge creativity, or discover emerging trends shaping the design world, Design Radar ensures you never miss a beat.
Don’t forget to check out our international Design Radar platforms for the Americas and Europe
November
04-09 November 2025
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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Dubai Design Week is the region's design festival committed to amplifying talent from the region and presenting the possibilities of what can be achieved through design.
Dubai Design Week reflects Dubai's position as the design capital of the Middle East, Dubai Design Week's varied programme includes installations, new commissions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, a marketplace, the leading fair for contemporary design, Downtown Design and the Middle East's first limited-edition art and design fair, Editions.
Dubai Design Week is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture.
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05-09 November 2025
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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The anchor event of Dubai Design Week taking place every November, Downtown Design hosts both internationally renowned design brands and manufacturers alongside individual designers, collectives and studios from around the globe, with a spotlight on the region. Downtown Design will expand its reach with the launch of its first KSA edition, taking place at JAX district from 20-23 May, 2025.
Dedicated to contemporary and high-quality design, the fair showcases the latest collections, innovative products and design solutions, complemented by pop-up concepts and immersive installations alongside collateral programmes of live talks, masterclasses, networking events and creative experiences, catering to each relevant audience; from international A&ID professionals or HNWIs to local homeowners and design-curious consumers, alike.
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05-09 November 2025
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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Editions, Dubai, runs alongside Downtown Design and is the Middle East’s first limited-edition art and design fair. The new art and design fair joined Dubai’s dynamic culture calendar, making its debut during Dubai Design Week 2024.
The only platform for high-quality, limited edition works at varied prices in the Middle East, the fair sets out to open up the art and design world, presenting a new opportunity for broader audiences to engage with and connect with contemporary creatives. Showcasing a diverse collection of works from over 50+ regional and international galleries, design studios and collectives, Editions offers access to a new segment of art and design, presenting works across mediums of photography, ceramics, prints, works on paper and contemporary design.
Editions brings together the audiences and programming of Downtown Design, the region’s leading fair for high-quality and contemporary design, and Art Dubai, the leading international art fair, and further expand on the investment in this region’s creatives. The fair will be a key fixture of Dubai Design Week, in strategic partnership with d3.
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January
22 January 2026
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Grand Egyptian Museum - El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272083, Egypt
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In one of the most pivotal years of modern history, 2020, Art Cairo was conceived. Despite numerous challenges, Art Cairo was able to feature 100 artists and 1300 pieces of art from 18 participating galleries from Egypt and the MENA region. The massive success of the inaugural Art Cairo fair told us that the public was ready and hungry for a fresh look at our art scene.Every edition of Art Cairo is an ode to our humanity, as artists, audiences and curators. Our passion and conviction for the importance of our role has led us to a path of presenting and showcasing local contemporary and modern art to the global art scene and carve out a space for it in the discourse. Cairo sits in a crossroad of unique geographical location and rich history, making it the perfect launching point for Art Cairo, as a beacon for culture and art.
Each year Art Dubai spotlights around 120 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from over 40 countries. The gallery programme is accompanied by artist commissions, an ambitious education programme and the most extensive talks and conference programming of any international art fair, including Global Art Forum and an annual Digital Summit.
Art Dubai works in partnership with government and business to develop and deliver ambitious long-term initiatives to support the growth of the UAE’s cultural sector. These include Dubai Collection – the first institutional art collection for the city of Dubai; Dubai Public Art, a multi-year and city-wide public realm commissioning programme; the most extensive cultural education programmes in UAE schools, developed in partnership with A.R.M. Holding, and Campus Art Dubai, which supports the next generation of cultural leaders through professional development, training and mentoring.
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30 January - 02 May 2026
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Diriyah/Riyadh
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The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is Saudi Arabia’s premier platform for contemporary art, held in the historic city of Diriyah. The biennale brings together international and regional artists, galleries, and cultural institutions to explore innovative practices, fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity. With site-specific installations, immersive exhibitions, and public programs, it has quickly become a key destination for collectors and art enthusiasts across the Middle East and beyond.
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February
03-06 February 2026
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JAX District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Downtown Design Riyadh returns for its second edition from 3 – 6 February 2026 at JAX District, a cultural hub set against the historic backdrop of Diriyah.
As Saudi Arabia's first high-quality design fair, Downtown Design Riyadh continues to connect global design brands with the Kingdom's creative community, in strategic partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture. The fair showcases original, high-quality design and limited-edition works from both international and regional studios. -
05-07 February 2026
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The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar will be held at M7, a creative hub in the heart of Doha, as well as at the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb.
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Art Basel Qatar is Art Basel's fifth premier event and our newest show, running February 5-7, 2026 in Doha.
Anchored in a dynamic long-term partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, Art Basel Qatar will debut as a concisely curated showcase celebrating Qatar’s vibrant cultural landscape and the dynamic arts ecosystem of the MENA region. The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar will be held at M7, a creative hub in the heart of Doha, as well as at the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb.
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April
17-19 April 2026
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Madinat Jumeirah - Mina a'Salam - Jumeirah Beach Rd - Al Sufouh 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
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Founded in 2007, Art Dubai is the most significant global art gathering in the Middle East. A catalyst for the rapid growth of the region’s art scene and creative economy, it provides an important gateway for discovery, learning and exchange, championing galleries and artists from less-represented geographies.
Each year Art Dubai spotlights around 120 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from over 40 countries. The gallery programme is accompanied by artist commissions, an ambitious education programme and the most extensive talks and conference programming of any international art fair, including Global Art Forum and an annual Digital Summit.
Art Dubai works in partnership with government and business to develop and deliver ambitious long-term initiatives to support the growth of the UAE’s cultural sector. These include Dubai Collection – the first institutional art collection for the city of Dubai; Dubai Public Art, a multi-year and city-wide public realm commissioning programme; the most extensive cultural education programmes in UAE schools, developed in partnership with A.R.M. Holding, and Campus Art Dubai, which supports the next generation of cultural leaders through professional development, training and mentoring.
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November 2026
November 2026 TBC
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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Dubai Design Week is the region's design festival committed to amplifying talent from the region and presenting the possibilities of what can be achieved through design.
Dubai Design Week reflects Dubai's position as the design capital of the Middle East, Dubai Design Week's varied programme includes installations, new commissions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, a marketplace, the leading fair for contemporary design, Downtown Design and the Middle East's first limited-edition art and design fair, Editions.
Dubai Design Week is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture.
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November 2026 TBC
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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The anchor event of Dubai Design Week taking place every November, Downtown Design hosts both internationally renowned design brands and manufacturers alongside individual designers, collectives and studios from around the globe, with a spotlight on the region. Downtown Design will expand its reach with the launch of its first KSA edition, taking place at JAX district from 20-23 May, 2025.
Dedicated to contemporary and high-quality design, the fair showcases the latest collections, innovative products and design solutions, complemented by pop-up concepts and immersive installations alongside collateral programmes of live talks, masterclasses, networking events and creative experiences, catering to each relevant audience; from international A&ID professionals or HNWIs to local homeowners and design-curious consumers, alike.
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November 2026 TBC
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Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai, UAE
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Editions, Dubai, runs alongside Downtown Design and is the Middle East’s first limited-edition art and design fair. The new art and design fair joined Dubai’s dynamic culture calendar, making its debut during Dubai Design Week 2024.
The only platform for high-quality, limited edition works at varied prices in the Middle East, the fair sets out to open up the art and design world, presenting a new opportunity for broader audiences to engage with and connect with contemporary creatives. Showcasing a diverse collection of works from over 50+ regional and international galleries, design studios and collectives, Editions offers access to a new segment of art and design, presenting works across mediums of photography, ceramics, prints, works on paper and contemporary design.
Editions brings together the audiences and programming of Downtown Design, the region’s leading fair for high-quality and contemporary design, and Art Dubai, the leading international art fair, and further expand on the investment in this region’s creatives. The fair will be a key fixture of Dubai Design Week, in strategic partnership with d3.
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November 2026 TBC
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Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy - Al Saadiyat Island - Cultural District - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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Frieze Abu Dhabi is set to launch in 2026 as the Middle East’s newest edition of the globally renowned Frieze art fairs. Bringing together leading international galleries, contemporary artists, and collectors, the fair promises to establish Abu Dhabi as a dynamic hub for art and culture in the region. With its focus on dialogue, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, Frieze Abu Dhabi will offer an exciting platform for discovering both emerging talent and established voices on the global art stage.
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Your Essential Guide to Middle Eastern Design Events
The Middle East has rapidly become a global hub for design, architecture, and innovation, attracting the attention of leading brands, visionary designers, and creative thinkers from around the world. Through Design Radar, we bring together a curated calendar of the region’s most exciting events, from large-scale international fairs to smaller, specialist exhibitions that reveal the future of design.
From Dubai’s Dubai Design Week and Abu Dhabi Art to Saudi Design Festival and Sharjah Architecture Triennial, the Middle East offers a vibrant calendar of creativity. Each event serves as a platform to showcase new talent, innovative products, and groundbreaking projects, making this region one of the most dynamic destinations for global design professionals.
A Year-Round Calendar of Creativity
Design Radar goes beyond listing events, it provides an insider’s perspective on why they matter. We highlight the design fairs and exhibitions that are shaping the industry across multiple disciplines:
Architecture & Urban Design – Explore events that spotlight innovative building techniques, sustainable urban planning, and bold architectural visions.
Interiors & Furniture Design – Discover showcases where luxury brands, independent makers, and emerging designers redefine interiors.
Art & Installations – From large-scale immersive exhibitions to smaller gallery showcases, we guide you to the events where creativity meets storytelling.
Sustainability & Innovation – Follow conferences and showcases that explore eco-conscious design, renewable materials, and future-focused solutions for a rapidly changing world.
By curating these highlights, we ensure you gain a comprehensive overview of the design ecosystem across the UAE and wider Middle East.
Why Follow Design Radar
Whether you’re a designer, architect, collector, or simply passionate about creative innovation, Design Radar is tailored to help you:
Discover New Trends – Stay informed on what’s shaping the future of design in the region and beyond.
Connect with Industry Leaders – Use our guide to identify the best networking opportunities with brands, creators, and thought leaders.
Plan Your Year – Keep track of key dates for exhibitions, fairs, talks, and workshops so you never miss an important event.
Gain Inspiration – Immerse yourself in the bold ideas, pioneering materials, and striking visuals that define today’s creative landscape.
Stay Connected with the UAE’s Design Scene
From world-class architecture to cutting-edge interiors and immersive art experiences, the UAE continues to lead the way in the global design conversation. Design Radar positions you at the heart of it all, helping you explore, experience, and engage with the events that matter most.
Bookmark this page and check back regularly as we update our calendar with new additions, exclusive previews, and insider highlights. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or beyond, Design Radar is your trusted resource for navigating the region’s most inspirational design events.