Saudi handicrafts on show at London’s Selfridges

Founded in 1909, Selfridges is an upscale department store in London. (Supplied)
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Updated 04 June 2025
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Saudi handicrafts on show at London’s Selfridges

RIYADH: The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is showcasing traditional handicrafts from the Kingdom at luxury department store Selfridges in London from June 3-22.

The initiative is taking place during Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts and is in collaboration with British charity organization Turquoise Mountain, which works to support the production of traditional crafts around the world.

The collection celebrates diverse Saudi artisans and features intricate palm crafts, delicate jewelry and accessories, and fine leatherwork, with an emphasis on showcasing the differences between various regional styles in Saudi Arabia.

Themed around Saudi Arabia’s natural and architectural heritage, the activation highlights work crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials,  reimagined through a contemporary creative lens.

The showcase is being held alongside an exhibition of fashion designs, supported by the Saudi Fashion Commission. 

A key milestone in the CDF’s efforts to support the Kingdom’s cultural sector is the recent launch of the Nama’ Accelerators: Handicrafts Track — a dedicated solution that supports cultural businesses through specialized training, mentorship, and financial incentives.


India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

Updated 08 December 2025
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India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

DUBAI: Renowned French architect and designer India Mahdavi has been appointed as the head of the jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026.

Born in Iran, the designer’s work includes projects at Hotel du Cloitre in Arles, the Coburg Bar at London’s Connaught Hotel, Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan, and the Townhouse Hotel in Miami.

As the head of the jury, Mahdavi will convene and lead a panel of regional and international experts to identify achievements in contemporary design at the biennial showcase for design that covers Qatar, as well as the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Mahdavi also previously released a collection with Swedish retailer H&M, in addition to her own furniture objects.

“Her work transcends geography, transforming emotion, color, and form into a universal language of beauty and belonging. India’s vision — rooted in diversity, joy, and purpose — will guide us in recognizing designers who redefine what it means to create from this region, for the world,” Fahad Al Obaidly, acting director of Design Doha, said in a released statement.

“This region, one of my cultural homes, resonates deeply with me. I am awed to witness its design landscape grow and evolve,” Mahdavi added.

The Design Doha Prize will be awarded on April 14, 2026. It will honor innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, with each winner taking home just under $55,000.