More than 35 Italian brands and Saudi designers will take part in the inaugural showcase, marking a new chapter for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
The world’s leading design fair, Salone del Mobile.Milano, is heading to the Middle East for the first time. Titled “Red in Progress: Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh,” the event will take place from 26 to 28 November 2025 at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), in strategic partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture.
This debut marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Federlegno Arredo Eventi S.p.A., organiser of the Salone, and Saudi Arabia’s design authority. The partnership aims to promote professional exchange, highlight local talent, and foster sustainable innovation in design and craftsmanship across the Kingdom.
Development of district located in Al Aqiq neighborhood of Riyadh began in 2007, providing office, residential, and retail space.
Located in Al Aqiq neighborhood of Riyadh, development of this district began in 2007.
A Bridge Between Milan and Riyadh
The event was announced during the Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh by Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, and Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano.
Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman said the project would act as “a bridge between Saudi and international designers,” strengthening the Kingdom’s role on the global design stage and supporting the growth of its creative economy under Vision 2030.
Maria Porro added:
“Riyadh is the place where vision becomes city. We are bringing the Salone’s design culture to collaborate directly with contractors, developers and architects — not just a showcase, but a working platform where ideas become places.”
Design as Construction in Progress
At the heart of the event will be a scenographic installation by Giò Forma, transforming the construction site into a symbol of progress and creativity.
A modular scaffolding structure wrapped in semi-transparent red fabric will dominate the space, turning the raw language of architecture into a cultural stage. The colour red, synonymous with energy and the Salone’s identity — links all parts of the exhibition together.
Surrounding the installation, over 35 Italian design brands will present furniture, lighting, surfaces and accessories known for quality, innovation and sustainability. These will be displayed alongside works by Saudi designers, creating a dialogue between Made in Italy excellence and Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving creative landscape.
“In Saudi Arabia, everything speaks of construction and the future,” said Giò Forma. “Red in Progress connects Italian design know-how with Saudi urban transformation, turning potential into space.”
Business, Culture and Exchange
The exhibition will also include a Business Lounge designed by Lissoni & Partners, offering a dedicated space for meetings and presentations with Saudi decision-makers.
Site visits to major giga-projects in Riyadh will allow Italian companies to connect directly with clients and developers, opening doors for new collaborations across the design and construction sectors.
Meanwhile, a Lifestyle Area developed in partnership with KAFD retailers and Italian and Saudi food and beverage brands — will showcase the convivial side of design, celebrating the art of living through taste, materiality and human connection.
Several institutional showcases will run alongside the event, while the Architecture and Design Commission will highlight key projects shaping the Kingdom’s design landscape including Designed in Saudi initiative that champions local talent and positions the country as a rising global design destination.
Exhibiting companies: Alchymia, Argenteria Schiavon, Arper, Artemide, Bonaldo, Calligaris, Cassina, Citco, Desiree, DGA, Edra, Fantoni, Florim, Foscarini, Gessi, Giorgetti, Guzzini & Fontana Projects, Henry Glass, La Palma, Lema, Listone Giordano, Living Divani, Loloey, Minotti, Molteni&C, Nardi, Natuzzi Italia, Officina della Scala, Pinetti, Poliform, Porro, Rugiano, Technogym, Venini, Villari, Visionnaire
About the Event
Red in Progress: Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh
📍 King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh
📅 26 – 28 November 2025
Organised by: Salone del Mobile.Milano & Federlegno Arredo Eventi S.p.A.
In partnership with: Architecture and Design Commission, Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia
