Doha:HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, officially inaugurated the Design Doha Biennial 2026, marking the beginning of a comprehensive event that unites designers, craftspeople, and creative practitioners from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. This second edition of the biennial will run until January 31, 2027, featuring a diverse range of exhibitions, new design commissions, public installations, and cultural programs.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Design Doha Biennial focuses on exploring the influence of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship on contemporary design. It emphasizes how traditional practices continue to inspire modern design, materials, and production methods. The event is spread across multiple venues in Doha, with the historic district of Fereej Al Asmakh serving as the main hub, while Msheireb Downtown Doha hosts the flagship exhibition, "Arab Design Now 2026."
Design Doha Biennial Director Fahad Al Obaidly highlighted the event's celebration of the region’s creative talent and extensive knowledge, offering a platform for designers and craftspeople to exchange ideas and engage with the public. Artistic Director Glenn Adamson stated that the biennial presents design as an evolving form of knowledge across generations and cultures, linking traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creative practices.
The flagship exhibition, curated by Noura Al Sayeh, features 81 designers and craftspeople, showcasing 78 newly commissioned works and 17 specially commissioned films. It is organized into five thematic sections that explore the relationship between traditional skills and contemporary design. Additionally, the biennial includes the launch of the second volume of "Arab Design Now" and 19 other exhibitions across various locations in Doha, organized in collaboration with regional and international institutions.
Highlights of the biennial include "The Planter" by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, "Aslan's Love Story" by the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, and "Post Oil 2026" by Saudi Modern and executed by Bricklab. The event also features a vision for regenerating Al Khor's historic center, developed after two years of community consultations.
Public design commissions in Fereej Al Asmakh include five site-specific installations curated by Javier Pena Ibanez, aimed at fostering community interaction. These installations draw inspiration from regional approaches to architecture and climate and are supported by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).
Moreover, the Design Doha Prize has shortlisted 20 finalists across four categories, with winners to be announced on November 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art. The biennial's opening program features a series of curated tours, discussions, and cultural activities from November 5 to 7.
The 2026 Doha Design Biennial is part of the "Nation of Progress" campaign and is organized by Qatar Creates, with support from various partners and sponsors, ensuring the accessibility of the event's programs to audiences throughout Doha.
Source Qatar News Agency