AlUla Design Award announces 10 finalists for upcoming second edition

The 10 finalists for the second edition of the AlUla Design Award have been announced. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 August 2023
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AlUla Design Award announces 10 finalists for upcoming second edition

  • Entrants from Saudi, Bahrain, India, Lebanon, Tunisia, France made the list
  • Organizers laud ‘stronger voice from the Middle East with emerging new talents’

DUBAI: The 10 finalists for the second edition of the AlUla Design Award have been announced.

The award recognizes exceptional creations inspired by AlUla’s heritage, landscapes and artistic legacy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The organizers had invited emerging and established designers to conceptualize and propose several categories of retail items including jewelry, footwear, clothing, home accessories and leather goods.

In addition to being recognized by their peers, winners will receive an invitation to the Product Design Exhibition and the winners will be announced at Paris Design Week in September.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The 10 designs will be exhibited in an exhibition conceived by acclaimed designer Herve Sauvage from Sept. 8 to 16 at Galerie MR21 in Paris.

Twenty creatives were originally shortlisted and the prototypes of their work were evaluated by a jury of recognized leaders from the design world.

Jury member, Cyril Zammit said in a statement: “The designers have captivated the jury with their innovative concepts, artistic excellence, and imaginative interpretations of AlUla’s rich cultural heritage. The quality and innovation have proven exceptional.

“There were more international entries than the first edition and I was pleased to discover a stronger voice from the Middle East with emerging new talents. All the finalists have managed to truly capture the essence of AlUla and transform it into tangible retail designs.”

The 10 works that made it to the final list 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 and 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)


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.