From Passion to Practice: How Saudi Design Talent Can Thrive
18 Nov. 2025
Today, the creative industry in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive shift. An industry which has long relied on foreign professionals and global experts is now transforming to one that is more reliant on Saudi design talent, moving in line with the focus of Vision 2030 on the creative sectors’ growth.
Speaking at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025 during the session titled ‘Designing the Designers – Building Saudi’s Creative Talent Pipeline’, a panel consisting of industry and academic leaders, along with a recent design graduate, discussed the future of art and design in Saudi Arabia and how Saudi talent can be nurtured and empowered. The argument: young Saudi designers need exposure, mentorship and hands-on opportunities to turn passion into practice-ready professionalism.
The Roadblocks Facing Young Saudi Designers
Ask anyone in the Saudi creative industry , and they’ll tell you the same thing: it is extremely difficult to find practice-ready Saudi design talent. Key roadblocks include:
• Lack of Real-World Experience
The Saudi education system has advanced, but practical experiences and access to real-life workflows remain limited.
• Presentation Skills Gap
Young Saudi designers bring fresh perspectives rooted in culture, but many struggle to communicate them effectively
• Fear of Mistakes
Rapid industry growth can create a culture of harsh criticism, lowering confidence and discouraging young designers from taking risks.
• Lack of Ownership
Many young designers become content “staying in their lane” and waiting for tasks to come to them, missing opportunities for growth.
Four Pillars to Help Saudi Design Talent Thrive
These issues stem from different sources: leadership, education and internal fears, but can be solved. Four key pillars can empower Saudi talent:
1. Design Internships & Real-World Experience
Whether it’s in interior design in Riyadh or furniture design in Jeddah, real-world experience builds confidence, technical ability and key skills such as communication and storytelling. Companies must offer more opportunities, while students should constantly seek them.
2. Prioritizing Design Mentorship in Saudi Arabia
Mentorship equips young designers with real-world guidance while helping leaders build loyal, skilled teams and improve ROI, all while contributing to Vision 2030.
3. Student Design Competitions & Entry-Level Design Jobs
Student design competitions give practical experience, while more entry-level jobs strengthen the market in both short and long term.
4. Instilling Confidence to Explore Design Career Pathways
By empowering young designers emotionally and supporting risk-taking, leaders can inspire them to explore broader design career pathways.
Key Takeaways for Young Saudi Designers
- Consistently chase opportunities and never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are learning opportunities.
- Seek mentors, apply for internships and create growth.
Key Takeaways for Universities
- Invest in university-industry partnerships, update your design curriculum with real-world skills in mind and launch initiatives like competitions and mentorship programs to graduate industry-ready designers.
Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders
- Hire junior Saudi designers to support short and long-term industry growth.
- Create design mentorship programs, give them real opportunities and listen to their ideas to instill confidence.
Don’t miss out on many more insights and learnings! Watch the full session ‘Designing the Designers – Building Saudi’s Creative Talent Pipeline' to learn more.
