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Ithra Design Week 2026 – Design Challenges
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Publish Date 9/29/2026 Application Deadline 10/24/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The six-day program runs from November 16 to November 21, 2026, and is expected to select 90 participants from around the world. Participants can apply to one of four specialized challenges: Urban Spaces, Product Design, Visual Communication, and Global Impact.

Throughout the program, participants work on original concepts with guidance from experts and industry partners through workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and mentoring. One winning project is selected from each challenge. The winning projects proceed to a development and production phase from December 2026 to April 2027, with the projects scheduled to be showcased in the 2027 Ithra Design Challenges exhibition.

The opportunity is intended for designers, creative thinkers, and individuals from different professional and academic backgrounds. Previous professional experience in design is not necessarily required.
Details

Duration and Location:

  • Program dates: November 16–21, 2026.
  • Duration: Six days.
  • Location: Ithra, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
  • Format: In-person participation.
  • Daily schedule: Sessions are listed between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM; applicants should check the schedule for their selected challenge.
  • Expected participants: 90 selected participants.
  • Number of challenges: Four specialized tracks.


Available Design Challenges:

1. Urban Spaces Challenge

Participants explore the design of lightweight, portable play spaces suitable for different urban environments. The challenge focuses on encouraging curiosity, social interaction, and open-ended play.

2. Product Design Challenge

Participants rethink classroom seating to create more flexible, adaptable learning environments that support students' comfort, engagement, and participation.

3. Visual Communication

Participants develop a contemporary visual communication approach to improve accessibility and the user experience of electric mobility in Saudi Arabia.

4. Global Impact Challenge

Participants develop interdisciplinary solutions to help communities adapt to extreme heat. Potential approaches may include products, systems, and architectural solutions suited to hot climates.


Application Procedure:

  • Apply through the official Ithra Design Challenges webpage.
  • Select one challenge that matches your interests and skills.
  • Submit the application form and await the selection decision.
  • Individual applications are permitted.
  • Team applications are also permitted, with three to five members per team.
  • Each team member must submit an individual application.
  • Applicants may participate in only one challenge because the four tracks take place during the same week.
  • Submitted concepts must be original and relevant to the selected challenge.
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance; selected applicants will receive confirmation.
  • Winning projects proceed to a development and production phase in collaboration with production partners.
  • The exact financial arrangements and production budgets for winning projects should be confirmed with the organizer.


Key Dates

  • October 24, 2026: Application deadline.
  • November 16, 2026: Design Challenges begin.
  • November 21, 2026: Design Challenges conclude and winning projects are announced as part of the closing program.
  • December 1, 2026: Scheduled start of the winning projects' development and production phase.
  • April 1, 2027: Scheduled end of the development and production phase.
  • 2027: Exhibition of the winning projects.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Attendance: Participants are expected to attend the in-person program at Ithra in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
  • Challenge selection: Each participant may enter only one challenge.
  • Individual applications: Individual participation is permitted.
  • Team applications: Teams must contain three to five members, and each member must submit a separate application.
  • Selection: Applications are subject to review and selection. Applying does not guarantee admission.
  • Language: The program information references Arabic and English sessions. A specific minimum language proficiency level or mandatory language certificate has not been confirmed.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Winning opportunities: One winning project is selected from each of the four challenges.
  • Project development: Winning projects proceed to a development and production phase scheduled from December 2026 to April 2027.
  • Exhibition opportunity: Winning projects are scheduled to be showcased in the 2027 Ithra Design Challenges exhibition.
  • Certificate: Participation certificates are referenced in the program information; applicants should confirm the precise certificate arrangements with Ithra.
  • Practical implementation: The production phase gives winning projects an opportunity to progress beyond the concept stage, subject to the organizer's arrangements and the conditions agreed with production partners.