Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Social Development and Family H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi and other dignitaries at the event.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Museums has inaugurated the second edition of Design Doha Biennial 2026, bringing together leading designers, artisans and creative practitioners from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) to celebrate the region’s rich design heritage and contemporary innovation.
Running until January 31, 2027, the biennial features 20 exhibitions, newly commissioned works, public installations and cultural programmes highlighting the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Held under the theme ‘Translating Knowledge: From Ancestral Systems to Economic Futures’, the event explores how traditional skills, cultural knowledge and innovative production techniques can contribute to the future of design and creative economies.
The historic Fereej Al Asmakh neighbourhood serves as the biennial’s central hub, while its flagship exhibition, Arab Design Now 2026, is being presented at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Director of Design Doha Fahad Al Obaidly said the biennial provides an important platform for showcasing regional creativity and strengthening collaboration among designers, artisans and communities.
“Design Doha 2026 celebrates the extraordinary talent and knowledge found across our region,” he said. “We want to celebrate the people behind design, the knowledge passed between generations and the possibilities this creates for the future.”
Artistic Director of Design Doha Glenn Adamson highlighted the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while encouraging contemporary innovation.
He noted that the region’s longstanding craftsmanship traditions continue to inspire new approaches to design, creating opportunities for future creative industries. A major highlight is Arab Design Now 2026, curated by Noura Al Sayeh, featuring 81 designers, artisans and makers, alongside 78 new commissions and 17 newly commissioned films.
Organised around five themes, the exhibition examines the creative processes, materials and collaborations connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Another 19 exhibitions across Doha explore architecture, cultural heritage, sustainable materials and innovation.
Among the highlights are The Sower by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, presented under the Qatar Canada Mexico 2026 Year of Culture; Aslan’s Love, celebrating Palestinian craftsmanship; and Post-Oil 2026, examining materials that have transformed the Gulf’s built environment.
The Al Khor Urban Futures exhibition also presents proposals for regenerating Al Khor’s historic centre, following two years of community consultations.
Featuring a full-scale canopy designed by Kéré Architecture, the installation encourages visitors to contribute ideas towards the Al Khor Heritage Trail project.
Five newly commissioned public installations across Fereej Al Asmakh further explore innovative approaches to shade, cooling, water management and communal spaces.
Supported by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the projects include Falajscape, Shoreline, Salsabil, Cooling Pots and Palm Construct.
Meanwhile, the Design Doha Prize 2026 features 20 finalists competing across four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design and Emerging Talents.
Chaired by Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the prize is overseen by a 24-member international jury headed by designer India Mahdavi.
Four winners are scheduled to be announced on November 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art, sharing a support package worth QR800,000 alongside mentorship, residency and commercial opportunities.
The biennial also features workshops, guided tours, performances, film screenings and professional networking sessions, further strengthening Doha’s position as a regional centre for design, creativity and cultural exchange.
