6 - 8 SEPTEMBER 2026

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

INDEX Design Talks

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The most influential design conference in Saudi Arabia

The INDEX Design Talks have become a cornerstone of the regional design calendar - uniting influential voices for bold, future-focused conversations.

Curated with purpose, the 3-day programme dives into the most pressing topics shaping the future of interiors - from sustainability and tech innovation to the influence of Saudi Vision 2030.

Through thought-provoking debates and visionary talks, the stage becomes more than just a conference - it’s a catalyst for innovation and a platform for the ideas defining the future of interiors in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

2026 Conference Themes

Transformation:

As the Kingdom accelerates, so must the industry. This theme explores how design and build industries are adapting to compressed timelines, rising expectations and increasing project complexity while still delivering quality, precision and long-term value.

Heritage:

Beyond aesthetics and symbolism, how should Saudi Arabia’s social norms, behaviours, privacy considerations and regional identities shape the spaces we create? This theme examines how to embed culture meaningfully into modern environments.

Materiality:

In Saudi conditions, performance matters. From durability and maintenance to sustainability and lifecycle value, this theme separates specification theory from on-site reality focusing on what works over time, not just on paper.

Intelligence:

AI and smart tools are transforming workflows, but where do they genuinely add value? This theme explores practical applications, limitations and how to integrate emerging technologies without unnecessary complexity.

Experience:

Today, success is measured by emotion, behaviour and memory. From retail and hospitality to F&B and mixed-use developments, this theme explores how experience-led design is redefining value in the built environment.

Voices behind the INDEX Design Talks

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INDEX Saudi Arabia 2024 is the place to be when it comes to Interior products and companies, showcasing the world’s best international products as well as an exquisite selection of regional players. The quality of talks, experts and events is of very high standard and I am looking forward to return, continuing to expand on our knowledge and passion for the whole region.

Michele Pasca di Magliano

Director - Zaha Hadid Architects

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I was previllaged to share the panel with the esteemed Bianca Van der Merwe, Amani Al Ibrahim, Oliviero Cassini, Michele Pasca di Magliano and Piotr Kalinowski to discuss the topic "Redefining Luxury in the New Saudi Arabian Hospitality Market". A lot of insightful ideas were shared in this panel, discussing the latest technology in hospitality and approaches of sustainability. The participants were excellent and the venue was extremely modern and impressive.

Architect Ihab El Haddad

Director of Design and Development - DAN (PIF Projects)

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INDEX Saudi Arabia 2024 provided an outstanding platform to connect, exchange ideas, and explore with professionals across the design and interiors sector. The event offered a dynamic environment that fostered collaboration and inspiration, making it a must-attend for anyone in the design industry. I was honored to be a speaker, and I look forward to future editions with great anticipation.

Tariq Khayyat

Co-Founder - tkdp

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Thank you to INDEX Saudi Arabia for creating this valuable platform for conversation, and to the incredible panel for sharing their expertise. We look forward to seeing how these ideas will shape the future of design and construction in the region.

Kerem Cengiz

Managing Director MENA - LWK + Partners

2026 Advisory Board

2026 Advisory Board

Mohammed ALMashharawi

FOUNDER

ARCHINET

Paul Nicholson ARB RIBA

SENIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR

PARSONS

Leen Nasr

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN ASSOCIATES

Gabriel Gil

ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR

UNS KSA

Rachael Jones

VICE CHAIR | HEAD OF SPECIALIST SERVICES

CIOB & JLL

Alberto Bounous

VICE PRESIDENT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

KAFD

Paolo Testolini

GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF MASTERPLANNING

ERA-CO, A SISTER COMPANY OF WOODS BAGOT

Amani Al Ibrahim

PARTNER – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

Dr. Ahmad Kotbi

VICE DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

Dr. Sami Al Sabbagh

GROUP CEO

DAR AL OMRAN

Yahya Alghamdi

DESIGN & ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

RED SEA GLOBAL

Marta Pessanha

DESIGN DIRECTOR - PORTFOLIO & HOSPITALITY

SEVEN/SAUDI ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES

Scott Henshaw

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION

DAR AL ARKAN

Husain Buhwaid

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

MISK CITY

Ross Blunt

DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY DESIGN

DIRIYAH COMPANY

Nevenka Mekterovic

DESIGN DIRECTOR

ADEERA (A PIF COMPANY)

Razan Alabbadi

CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ADZONE

Erik Hokanson

PARTNER

AE7

Tarek Hassan

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

FOSTER + PARTNERS

Henning Schmidt

HEAD OF DESIGN & TECHNICAL SERVICES

SIX SENSES (GLOBAL)

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Upskill and earn CPD points

Our conference is certified through the CPD Certification Service, the world’s leading and largest independent CPD accreditation organization working across all industry sectors.

Design Talks Sponsor

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Missed the 2025 Talks? The replays are here!

Relive the conversations that defined this year’s INDEX Design Talks. Stream the audio recordings and gain fresh perspectives from leading voices in design, exclusively on Love That Design.

Whether you're a professional, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about design landscape, these talks are unmissable.