Arts AlUla has unveiled the 10 finalists for the second edition of the AlUla Design Award. These finalists are set to showcase their designs at Paris Design Week, where the unveiling of the 5 winners will take place on September 7, 2023.
Originally, twenty designers were shortlisted for this award, and their prototypes underwent a thorough evaluation by a panel of esteemed figures from the design realm. The carefully curated designs of the 10 finalists will be exhibited at Galerie MR21 in Paris, from September 8 to 16, 2023, during Paris Design Week’s press day on September 6.
This dynamic initiative not only acknowledges exceptional design but also offers a platform for emerging talents to exhibit their creative interpretations of AlUla’s rich cultural heritage. Cyril Zammit, a jury member, expressed admiration for the exceptional quality and innovative concepts demonstrated by the finalists. He noted the increased international participation and the burgeoning influence of the Middle East in the field of design.
The finalists and their designs are:
- Tawa’ by Shaddah Studio (Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia)
- Naba Tea Tiffin by Ikkis, Gunjan Gupta (Indian, based in India)
- AlUla Terrains: Dates Serving Set by Teeb (Lebanese & Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia
- Incense Heritage Collection by Sarra Hafaiedh (Tunisian, based in Tunisia)
- Ohjea by Thaqeb Studio (Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia)
- Oil Lantern by Imane Mellah (French, based in Paris)
- Book Lithic by Ahmed AlMannai, Rashed AlAraifi and Hamad AlMannai, and Abdulla Binhindi (Bahraini, based in Bahrain)
- Arabian Leopard Sculpture Set by Abdulla Binhindi (Bahraini, based in Bahrain)
- Steps Clasp by Sara Kanoo (Bahraini, based in Bahrain)
- Sand Garden by Tajalla Studio (Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia)
Each finalist has demonstrated a unique perspective, drawing inspiration from cultural heritage, innovative design strategies, and artistic exploration. With this initiative, Arts AlUla provides a distinctive opportunity for these designers to connect with global audiences and contribute to the cultural retail landscape by infusing their creations with AlUla’s distinct essence and historical significance.
About AlUla Design Award
The AlUla Design Award (ADA) extends an Open Call, inviting both established and emerging designers to envision and propose designs tailored for cultural retail. This accolade stands as a tribute to design that draws inspiration from AlUla’s heritage, landscape, and artistic legacy. The inaugural edition bore witness to six designers: Reem Bashawri, Nour Shourbagy, Tarek ElKassouf, Teeb, Rukun x Harry Dobbs, and Niko Kapa.
Location: Paris Design Week, Galerie MR21, Paris
Date: 8- 16 September, 2023