Ended

LIGHTSPACE Saudi Arabia 2026

15–17 SEP 2026· 3 days · In person

Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center · Riyadh

Free

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About the event

LIGHTSPACE Saudi Arabia runs from 15 to 17 September 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center as the dedicated lighting sector inside INDEX Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's leading interior design and furniture trade event, after dmg events reclassified it from a standalone show into a product sector within the parent exhibition, so that its dates, venue and registration are now shared with INDEX and a visitor to one is a visitor to the other.

The sector brings together the lighting categories that feed residential, commercial, hospitality and public-realm projects, covering decorative lighting products and accessories, interior and exterior lighting, infrastructure and public-realm lighting, intelligent lighting solutions, lighting controls and components, and switches and accessories, within a Saudi lighting market the organiser values at USD 2.9 billion and which continues to accelerate alongside the Kingdom's expanding pipeline of major projects. Its audience spans lighting designers and consultants, architects and interior designers, fit-out companies, contractors and MEP and electrical planners, facility managers and lighting engineers, procurement teams, distributors and retailers, developers, operators and hotel owners, and government bodies and municipalities.

The show is organised by dmg events, and content for the sector is guided by a 17-member advisory board of lighting designers and consultants drawn from Diriyah Company, WSP, Light Bureau, Nulty, Lichtvision Design, Studio Lumen and CD+M Lighting Design Group, while the show days are accompanied by the INDEX Design Talks programme and its 24 sessions in Hall 4. Entry is by advance registration for trade visitors at no charge.

Agenda

17:00–17:05Opening Remarks by the ChairpersonThe chairperson opens the first day of INDEX Design Talks in Hall 4 and sets out the theme of the 2026 edition, Built on Heritage. Designed for Tomorrow. Speaker: Yahya Alghamdi, Design and Engineering Management, Red Sea Global.
17:05–17:50Panel: The Next Chapter of Saudi Arabian Design - Heritage, Identity and the Future of PlaceAs Saudi Arabia looks beyond Vision 2030, the opening panel asks how heritage, identity, craftsmanship and innovation can shape interior environments that carry a distinctive Saudi identity and remain relevant for generations, across new destinations, hospitality developments, residences, workplaces, retail environments and cultural venues. Moderator: Saeed Albially, Executive Director, Design Development, Rua Al Madinah. Speakers: Amani Al Ibrahim, Kristina Zanic Consultants; Prof Hisham Mortada, King Abdulaziz University; Nevenka Mekterovic, Adeera Hospitality; Sumaya Dabbagh, Dabbagh Architects.
17:50–18:05Keynote: Living Traditions - Lessons from Saudi Arabia's Built Heritage for Contemporary InteriorsDrawing on his research into the traditional architecture of Jeddah, Medina, AlUla, Najran and the Red Sea coast, Professor Hisham Mortada examines how buildings and their internal spaces developed in response to climate, local materials, social customs and daily life, and how that inherited knowledge can inform interiors that are culturally relevant and connected to place without merely reproducing historic forms. Speaker: Prof Hisham Mortada, Professor, King Abdulaziz University.
18:10–18:55Riba Panel: Designing Immersive Spaces: Where Architecture Meets Human ExperienceAs the boundaries between interior architecture, exterior and landscape become more fluid, the panel explores how spatial planning, materiality, light, landscape and sensory design come together to shape environments that respond to the way people live, work, gather and interact. Moderator: Hala Lloyd, RIBA Gulf Chapter Country Representative. Speakers: Ali Mangera, Mangera Yvars Architects; Anna Rita Petrungaro, Omrania; Isabelle McKinnon, Gerber Architekten International; William So, RIBA Chartered Member.
19:00–19:10Saudi Spotlight Session: Emerging Design VoicesAn emerging Saudi interior designer from Omrania shares her journey and perspective on building a career in one of the world's most dynamic design markets, and on designing in response to the Kingdom's landscape, climate and cultural heritage. Speaker: Dima Almuhaidib, Interior Designer, Omrania.
19:15–20:15Project Spotlights: Designing Saudi Identity - Five Projects, Five ApproachesFive architects and interior designers each present one project in a seven-minute visual presentation, showing through sketches, material palettes, renderings and completed imagery how they translated Saudi identity into the interior experience, followed by a moderated discussion and audience questions. Moderator: Dr Nadia Arafah, Assistant Professor, Prince Sultan University. Speakers: Benjamin Piper, INTEGRITY; Iman Abuljadayel, In-Detail Design Centre; Tarek Hassan, Foster + Partners; Mohammed Al Zamil, I-AM Saudi; Shazad Azam, International Design Associates.
20:20–20:55RSG Design Session: Delivering a World-class DestinationKey voices from the Red Sea Global design and engineering team behind Desert Rock trace the project from vision to completion, covering the design management approach, collaboration and coordination that carried it through, and the decisions, challenges and lessons of delivering a landmark destination while holding a consistent project vision. Moderator: Qais Tabib, Senior Manager, Building Information Modeling. Speakers: Andrew Bates, Associate Director, Lighting; Cathal Obyrne, Director, Interior Architecture; Moataz Elbialy, Associate Director, Architecture — all Red Sea Global.
20:55–21:00Closing RemarksThe chairperson closes the first day of the programme. Speaker: Yahya Alghamdi, Design and Engineering Management, Red Sea Global.

17:00–17:05Opening Remarks by the ChairpersonThe chairperson opens the second day of the programme in Hall 4. Speaker: Siddharth Peters, Co-Founder, Love That Design.
17:05–17:50Panel: Rooted in Saudi Arabia - Designing Authentic Places through Craft, Culture and Contemporary DesignDevelopers, architects, designers and operators discuss how cultural identity, craftsmanship, local materials and everyday Saudi experience can be integrated into every stage of the design process, so that projects feel authentically Saudi while meeting contemporary lifestyles, commercial objectives and global expectations. Moderator: Saeed Albially, Rua Al Madinah. Speakers: Al.Motasem B. Attiyah, Clear Holding Co.; David Tkint, DTK Studios; Dr Mohammed Alnaim, University of Hail; Naji Syriani, Diriyah Company; Valentino Gareri, DLR Group Middle East.
17:55–18:05The Industrial Design Association (IDA) Saudi Spotlight Session: Emerging Saudi Design VoiceA young Saudi industrial designer shares the experiences that shaped her design philosophy, reflecting on research, material exploration, prototyping and learning through iteration, and on the place of empathy, intentionality and craftsmanship in the next generation of Saudi design. Speaker: Laura Alamiri, Industrial Designer.
18:10–18:55Panel: Lessons Learned from Shaping Spaces in Saudi ArabiaFrom hospitality destinations and retail environments to workplaces and residential communities, developers, architects and designers share the insights, challenges and unexpected discoveries gained from creating spaces that respond to changing lifestyles, cultural expectations and evolving user needs across the Kingdom. Moderator: Ross Blunt, Managing Partner, IDA Global. Speakers: Hussam Dabiani Al Ghamdi, Naslaa; Samuele Martelli, Retal Urban Development Company; Sultan Rami El Zeitounie, FAO Realestate; Tala Hadhrawi, Senior Associate.
19:00–19:15The Discourse Between Heritage and Design Identity: From Arab Cities to Interior SpacesDrawing on his research into the evolution of Riyadh and other Arab cities, Dr Sami Al-Sabbagh examines the relationship between heritage, identity and design, and how lessons from urban development and placemaking can inform interior environments with a stronger sense of place and belonging. Speaker: Dr Sami Al-Sabbagh, Partner and Group CEO, Dar Al Omran.
19:15–20:00Panel: Inside the Client Mindset - What Clients Really Want from Design TeamsDevelopers, clients, operators and design leaders open up the thousands of decisions made long before construction begins, from defining the brief and appointing the design team to concept development, material selection and planning for long-term operation, and how competing priorities are balanced. Moderator: Siddharth Peters, Love That Design. Speakers: Alberto Bounous, KAFD DMC; Husain Buhwaid, Misk City; Ihab ElHaddad, Dan Company; Yahya Alghamdi, Red Sea Global.
20:00–20:10Saudi Spotlight Session: Emerging Design VoicesA young Saudi designer reflects on how cultural heritage, education and international exposure shape a creative perspective, on the value of cultural exchange, and on the role of user experience in creating meaningful spaces. Speaker: Rayana Alaqeel, Interior Architect, Consultancy Group.
20:15–20:55Live Session: Reality Check - Which Global Ideas Translate, and What Can the World Learn from Saudi Arabia?The moderator puts a series of internationally recognised design ideas to the panel, who vote APPLY, ADAPT or RETHINK on each before explaining their reasoning; the discussion then turns to the ideas and delivery models emerging from Saudi Arabia that are beginning to influence projects beyond the Kingdom. Moderator: Siddharth Peters, Love That Design. Speakers: Fabiola Delgado, JLL; Fatemah Almadani, Maamor Interior; Shahad Habis, Jeddah Architecture Initiative; Tamara Taamneh, Roar; Wiam Kafyah, Egis.
20:55–21:00Closing remarksThe chairperson closes the second day of the programme. Speaker: Siddharth Peters, Co-Founder, Love That Design.

17:00–17:05Opening Remarks by the ChairpersonThe chairperson opens the third and final day of the programme in Hall 4. Speaker: Dr Noorh Albadi, Dean of the College of Architecture, Engineering and Digital Design, Dar Al Uloom University.
17:05–17:50Live Session: Reality Check - How Do We Build the Next Generation of Designers?An interactive discussion in three rounds: what knowledge, skills and mindsets will define the next generation of designers in Saudi Arabia; where the biggest disconnect between design education and professional practice lies; and which single action would have the greatest impact on preparing them. Moderator: Ross Blunt, IDA Global. Speakers: Abdulkareem ADAS, Egis; Dr Adel Alzahrani, Executive Director; Daniel Abecasis, Aedas; Paul Boldy, OBMI International; Dr Noorh Albadi, Dar Al Uloom University.
17:55–18:40Panel: Designing for Changing Expectations - Shaping Interiors in Saudi ArabiaFrom luxury hospitality and branded residences to retail destinations, public spaces and mixed-use developments, senior industry leaders examine how changing lifestyles, evolving user expectations and a renewed appreciation for Saudi culture are reshaping interior design, and which materials, finishes and technologies are shaping the next generation of interiors. Moderator: Rayan Safadi, COO, Maamor Design. Speakers: Abdulaziz Al Azem, Design Tech Services; Engr Jawaher Al Moarawi, Grid Design; Sultan Albadran, Ithra; Taha Alandejani, KSCAU Ambassador.
18:45–18:55Saudi Spotlight Session: Emerging Design VoicesAn emerging Saudi designer explores how the Kingdom's cultural heritage, environmental conditions and international experience have informed her approach to spatial design, and how local influences translate into spaces that are authentic and globally relevant. Speaker: Asma Aloraifi, Architect, Foster + Partners.
19:00–19:45Riba Panel: Bioregional Design - Connecting Place, Climate & the Spaces WithinBioregional design grounds architecture in the particular character of a place. The panel covers climate-responsive strategies including orientation, courtyards, shaded transitional spaces, landscape integration, local materiality, passive design and comfortable microclimates, and how they improve environmental performance and resilience while shaping healthier interiors. Moderator: Ahmed Mukhtar, RIBA Gulf Chapter Country Representative. Speakers: Rahaf Abusamra, Dar Global; Sean Tan, HKS; Stuart Caunt, AtkinsRealis; Zainab Alireza, Allies and Morrison.
19:45–19:50Closing RemarksThe chairperson closes the three-day programme. Speaker: Dr Noorh Albadi, Dean of the College of Architecture, Engineering and Digital Design, Dar Al Uloom University.
19:50–20:50INDEX Future StarsNow in its third year and delivered with ArchiNet, INDEX Future Stars gives outstanding interior design students from across the Kingdom a platform to present their graduation projects to leading architects, designers, educators and employers, bridging education and industry with exposure, professional feedback and introductions. Moderator: Fatemah Almadani, Chief Executive Officer, Maamor Interior.