Ithra Announces Major Rebrand as Tanween Concludes, Unveils Ithra Design Week for 2026
Dhahran — The eighth edition of Tanween, the annual design showcase hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, concluded with a significant transition as organizers announced that the event will be reintroduced in 2026 under a new name: Ithra Design Week.
The change marks a broader evolution in the center’s approach to creativity, design engagement, and community-focused programming across the region.
Ithra officials emphasized that the rebranding represents a step toward expanding the event’s impact and integrating design more deeply across its cultural ecosystem.
They noted that the shift will open new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and public participation within the growing creative sector in Saudi Arabia.
During the closing ceremony, Ithra Programs Manager Noura Al-Zamil highlighted how the redesign reflects the center’s forward-looking vision.
She described the transition as a natural next phase after eight years of growth, bringing together designers, communities, and institutions under a unified platform.
This year’s six-day edition offered a diverse program of interactive experiences showcasing emerging design talent.
Seven hands-on workshops, 10 panel discussions, eight exhibitions, four design hackathons, and guided tours gave visitors a rich exploration of ideas shaping the future of design.
Organizers explained that the new platform will integrate design across Ithra’s core facilities, including its museum, library, cinema, publishing department, and IdeaLab.
Future editions are planned to extend beyond Ithra’s walls, activating public spaces across the Eastern Province to create a wider cultural experience.
The shift toward community engagement began this year through guided tours developed with the Municipality of Khobar.
These tours connected visitors to public artworks, architectural landmarks, and design-forward urban environments across the city.
As part of building long-term public benefit, two pavilions developed through the Tanween Challenges will be permanently installed in Khobar parks.
Created in partnership with the Alfozan Social Foundation, they will serve as lasting public design installations.
The Tanween Majlis, the event’s central talks forum, convened design week leaders from across the region to reflect on how design-focused events influence public life.
The session explored the role such gatherings play in creative development, community building, and cultural evolution.
Representatives from Dubai Design Week, Isola Design Group, the Doha Biennial, and Amman Design Week participated in the panel.
Moderated by Tanween Program Lead Shahad Al-Wazani, the discussion emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and shared creative visions.
The 2025 edition welcomed creative partners Dubai Design Week and Isola Design Group, further expanding its international reach.
Gulf International Bank served as a strategic partner, with Retal and the Architecture and Design Commission joining as signature partners.
Exhibition partners including Iwan Maktabi, Bricklab, Rizomasr, and Mujassam Watan enriched the event with specialized showcases.
Almajdouie (GENESIS) supported as a logistics partner, aiding the facilitation of installations and exhibits.
At the closing ceremony, organizers revealed the winners of the 2025 Tanween Challenges, which centered on the theme “Design for the 90 percent.”
The competition encouraged designers to develop impactful solutions for underserved communities.
Awards were given across several categories, including global impact, product design, urban spaces, and visual communication.
The winning prototypes will move into further development and play a central role in the inaugural Ithra Design Week.
With the rebrand, Ithra aims to create a stronger and more unified hub for design-driven innovation and cultural collaboration.
The transition signals an exciting new chapter for the region’s creative community as the event prepares to expand its vision and influence.
