Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Doha, Qatar – 4 May 2024

Msheireb, a pioneer in cultural preservation and innovation, has announced a strategic partnership with Metahug, the visionary gaming studio, to launch an immersive Roblox experience that allows players to explore the richness of Qatari culture. This collaboration is designed to blend education with interactive gaming, showcasing Qatar’s sustainable innovations, creative chops, and deep-rooted traditions. The partnership was launched on the sidelines of the TEFFA event hosted in M7 at Msheireb Downtown Doha.

The Roblox platform will host a series of mini-games, each crafted to highlight a different facet of Qatari life and history. At launch, players will be able to participate in six unique games, starting with ‘Pearl Hunt,’ a game that pays homage to Qatar’s pearl diving heritage.

Msheireb Properties’ ethos was instrumental in realizing this project, combining the ingenuity of the world’s first sustainably regenerated downtown at Msheireb Downtown Doha with the Doha Design District’s ambitions as a creative lab for global design talent.

The Roblox experience will include activities inspired by Msheireb Properties’ vision for human-led design, championed through projects like Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Doha Design District. Activities include designing sustainable fashion inspired by traditional Qatari attire and creating furniture that reflects the region’s architectural elegance. Additional mini-games will educate players about Arabic typography and the history of Bedouin lifestyles, celebrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability and design.

This partnership not only highlights Msheireb’s dedication to cultural preservation but also aligns with Metahug’s mission of educating through engagement. “By integrating educational elements with the fun and excitement of gaming, we aim to create a more enriching experience that teaches players about the significant cultural heritage of Qatar,” said Shaikha Al Sulaiti, Senior Manager of the Doha Design District, Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Working closely with Lian Pham, co-founder of Metahug, the collaboration leaned into Metahug’s education in gaming expertise through its flagship Play2Learns educational initiative teaching kids to learn without knowing they’re learning.

A series of workshops organized as part of the upcoming TEFA event are set to engage the youth in meaningful ways, helping them understand and appreciate the heritage and future aspirations of Qatar

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Doha, Qatar – May 2, 2024

Msheireb Museums, in partnership with Qatar Tourism, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the 2023/2024 cruise season. The season, which ran from October 2023 to April 2024, welcomed a record-breaking 378,000 passengers across 73 vessels, showcasing Qatar’s growing prominence as a global cruise destination.

Throughout the season, Msheireb Museums played a vital role in enhancing visitors’ experiences by offering a glimpse into Qatar’s rich culture and heritage. As part of their partnership with Qatar Tourism & collaboration with the cruise contracted DMCs, Msheireb Museums hosted an average of 8-10 cruise group visits per week since October, introducing visitors to the district’s four heritage houses: Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Radwani House, and Mohammed Bin Jassim House, while visiting Msheireb Downtown Doha.

During these visits, cruise passengers delved into Qatar’s fascinating history and appreciated the district’s modern, eco-friendly design while exploring the area via the district’s eco-friendly trams. The visitors’ experiences were further enriched by the coinciding events, such as the Asian Cup, which showcased Doha’s vibrant culture and hospitality.

Mr. Mohammed Al Yousuf, Acting Manager Operations & Visitor Relations of Msheireb Museums, expressed his enthusiasm for the successful season, stating, “We are thrilled to have been a part of Qatar’s record-breaking 2023/2024 cruise season and to have welcomed so many visitors to Msheireb Museums. Our partnership with Qatar Tourism has been instrumental in showcasing Qatar’s rich heritage and culture to visitors from around the world. It has been a pleasure to witness cruise passengers immersing themselves in the history of our four heritage houses and exploring the modern, eco-friendly design of the district. We are proud to have contributed to the success of this cruise season and look forward to continuing our partnership with Qatar Tourism to provide unparalleled experiences for visitors in the years to come.”

Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support Section at Qatar Tourism commented, “The success of the 2023/2024 cruise season is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Qatar Tourism and its partners, such as Msheireb Museums. By providing visitors with unique and immersive experiences that highlight Qatar’s cultural heritage and modern developments, we have solidified Qatar’s position as a must-visit destination for cruise passengers. We look forward to building upon this success and continuing our partnership with Msheireb Museums to showcase the best of Qatar to the world.”

Msheireb Museums’ initiatives during the cruise season, combined with the district’s unique offerings, contributed to the overall success of the season and left a lasting impression on visitors.

As Qatar’s cruise industry continues to thrive, Msheireb Museums remains dedicated to its partnership with Qatar Tourism, working together to provide unforgettable experiences for visitors and showcase the best of Qatar’s heritage to the world.

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Doha, Qatar – 29 April 2024

Following the resounding success of the first-ever Innovation by Design Summit hosted in partnership with Fast Company Middle East, Msheireb Properties announced the return of TEFFA AI R evolution (Technology Education Finance Fashion & Art) for its second edition. Scheduled to take place at various places including M7, Doha Design District and Park Hyatt Hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha from 6-8 May, TEFFA AI R evolution will be an immersive experience celebrating the convergence of technology, education, finance, fashion, and art.

Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, expressed enthusiasm about the series of innovative events and conferences taking place in Msheireb Downtown Doha in recent months, saying, “We’ve cemented our status as a vibrant epicenter for premier creative and design-centric events. Our community has evolved into a thriving incubator for ingenuity and cooperation across diverse sectors. We are excited by the influx of creatives and entrepreneurs drawn to Qatar and Msheireb Downtown Doha.”

TEFFA AI R evolution, this year focusing on AI, blockchain, and the business of fashion, will showcase the role technological innovation can play in the future of the design and fashion industries. From workshops by cutting-edge startups like Digital Seamless Fashion to ID Link and insights from global leaders and philanthropists, TEFFA AI R evolution will host thought-provoking panel discussions and hands-on classes on redefining education, revolutionising finance, influencing fashion trends, and reshaping artistic expression. TEFFA AI R evolution has also integrated unique interactive experiences throughout the event, including workshops on upcycling, AI gaming, and the Middle East’s first Fashathon competition.

“We are excited to bring TEFFA AI R evolution back to the vibrant hub of innovation that is Msheireb Downtown Doha,” said Shaika Al Sulaiti, Senior Concept Manager of the Doha Design District, Msheireb Downtown Doha. “This year’s TEFFA will take a deeper look into AI’s ever-evolving landscape, exploring its transformative impact across business, the environment, supply chain, education, and art.”

Breakout regional first launches
TEFFA AI R evolution will feature a series of regional firsts, including the launch of a new AI-powered fashion product by digital fashion innovation company Digital Seamless Fashion. The zbyte grant-backed product , which has been selected to be part of the Microsoft Starter Program, is set to redefine the digital fashion landscape with its modern Fashion AI engine.

Digital Seamless Fashion is also organising the first-ever Fashathon in the Middle East, inviting fashion creators worldwide to participate both online and in person. “The Fashathon is not just an event; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative fashion future with high impact in the region. We are excited to see the convergence of creativity and technology as designers from various backgrounds come together to shape the future of fashion,” added Shaikha Al Sulaiti.

In another first, Msheireb Properties and visionary gaming studio MetaHug will launch an immersive Roblox educational game that allows players to explore the richness of Qatari culture. Workshops will be organised to allow participants to interact within the platform and learn about the role e-gaming can play in cultural production as well as teach players important lessons relating to culture, design, and sustainability.

A session by Founder & CEO of Thalé Blanc and The Power of Words brand Deborah Sawaf on mental health awareness and empowerment in collaboration with artist Julian Gilliam, known as LOGIK, performing live painting exercises. NYC Sustainable Fashion Week Founder Bridgett Artise will lead daily workshops on re-purposing and redesigning materials. A dynamic mural reflecting the ever-evolving relationship between nature and creativity, envisioned by Dea Baker and created by artist Gabe Weiss, will also be created during TEFFA AI R evolution.

The Fashathon Competition
May 7 and 8 from 5:30 pm
The inaugural Fashathon at TEFFA AI R evolution in Doha is a groundbreaking event for fashion designers and digital creators, which allows participants to create distinctive AI-enabled 3D fashion using a diverse range of templates or their own imported models. Digital Seamless Fashion’s AI Fabric generator can be applied to enhance these creations. Awards include an Apple Vision Pro for the best creation.

Build Msheireb World on Roblox
May 7 and 8 from 4:30 pm
A series of workshops organised as part of the upcoming TEFFA AI R evolution event are set to engage the youth in meaningful ways, helping them understand and appreciate the heritage and future aspirations of Qatar.

Emotional Intelligence Using the Power of Words
May 6, 7 and 8 from 3.00 pm
Founder & CEO of Thalé Blanc and The Power of Words brand Deborah Sawaf will run a workshop on mental health awareness and empowerment, while Julian Gilliam, who goes by the moniker LOGIK, will perform live painting exercises.

Upcycling Fashion
May 7, 8 and 9 from 5:00 pm
NYC Sustainable Fashion Week Founder Bridget Artise will lead daily workshops on re-purposing and redesigning materials to create various items throughout TEFFA AI R evolution.

Elysium Garden Nature in Art Mural
Throughout the three-day event
A dynamic mural reflecting the ever-evolving relationship between nature and creativity envisioned by Dea Baker and created by artist Gabe Weiss. In this creative workshop concept, participants will have the opportunity to transform waste from nature into wall murals. The canvas wall will be divided into dedicated spaces, each allocated to both art students and established artists for an agreed-upon period.

Tickets can be purchased online: Teffa Events

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Inaugural award recognises four winners across the categories of human-centred, technology-powered, sustainable and luxury and lifestyle design

DOHA, 24 April 2024

With more than 400 speakers and delegates converging at the dynamic Doha Design District, Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East opened the region’s first Innovation by Design Summit on Wednesday. Celebrating visionary design thinking, the organisers also launched the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design which recognised four outstanding winners and signalled Msheireb Properties’ plans to be an active player in shaping the future of design innovation in the Middle East.

As a highlight of the Summit, Msheireb Properties unveiled the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design, recognising exemplary design-driven solutions. The award was created to promote design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, spotlighting ideas that tackle individual, community, and global challenges.

During a gala dinner, four winners were honoured, including global brand consultancy Landor for human-centric design, cardiac diagnostic technology innovator Dr. Mario Garcia for technology-powered design, sustainable construction, and MAD Architects for sustainable design, and Pandora for luxury and lifestyle design. Eng. Ali Al Kuwari announced plans for an expanded 2025 edition of the award with additional categories.

In praising the winners, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said, “We established the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design to celebrate innovative design thinking because we believe that smart, accessible design can change the world for the better. Tonight’s winners embody this belief.”

Winners were selected based on criteria such as replicability, design thinking, and audience impact at individual, community, and global levels.

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design Recognises Four Winners Across the Categories of human-centred, technology-powered, sustainable and luxury and lifestyle design

DOHA, 24 April 2024

With more than 400 speakers and delegates converging at the dynamic Doha Design District, Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East opened the region’s first Innovation by Design Summit on Wednesday. Celebrating visionary design thinking, the organisers also launched the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design which recognised four outstanding winners and signalled Msheireb Properties’ plans to be an active player in shaping the future of design innovation in the Middle East.

Opening the Summit, Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said, “I’m proud to be here today in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha to say that Qatar is leading the way in design across its many aspects. Smart, sustainable design is the future, and it’s something we’re proud to champion.”

Adding to this sentiment, Fast Company Middle East Publisher Ravi Raman said, “Organisations and governments are realising the positive impact design thinking can bring. Our mandate at Fast Company Middle East is to highlight this with storytelling and impactful summits.”

The Summit delved into various facets of design and its societal impact, covering topics from biophilic design to AI in content creation. Discussions also explored urban planning’s role in creating people-centric cities, the fusion of technology and creativity, and designing for the experience economy and Gen Z. In addition to featuring several high-profile Qatari innovators as speakers at the Summit, the organisers platformed some of Qatar’s most beloved talent, with Dana Al Fardan performing a selection of her latest compositions and Hamad Al Amari entertaining the crowd of local and international guests.

Speaker comments and quotes:
− “Challenging that shopping is at the core of an airport experience, we put in a garden at the centre of Singapore Changi Airport that is open free of charge, 24/7 with no commercial activity,” said Charu Kokate, Senior Partner, Safdie Architects. Charu is the Project Director of Jewel Changi Airport and headed its design integration and construction that has redefined the air travel experience.
− Guests on the “Can we adopt sustainable new-age materials” panel, which featured Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Dean and Professor of Architecture, American University of Sharjah, Matthew Utley, Principal, Grimshaw, and Nasser Abulhasan, Principal, AGi Architects, discussed regional challenges to sustainability. This included the lack of regional data, the inability to establish a consensus on the value of sustainability, and the fact that industrial development itself can be at odds with the idea of sustainability, making it important to challenge the idea of what humans really need.
− NFT artist Amrita Sethi encouraged creatives to design for the future as more and more people will expect the ability to interact with objects in the digital world. She also launched her newest Bucket Monsters NFT collection.
− Dr. Mario R. García, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, García Media, cautioned to “Mind the AI Gap” but was optimistic about the future of AI because: “AI is a tool, and a human is a creator. We can make connections where none appear to be, and connectivity is crucial to innovation.”
− Speaking during the “How can museums use technology to become immersive” fireside chat, Manager of Exhibitions and Programs at Msheireb Museums Fahad Al Turky emphasised that putting human needs at the heart of technological development is key to creating successful interventions. Sometimes, it’s about not having any technology at all to ensure people have the type of experience they can engage with. Director of the Museum of Islamic Art Shaika Al-Nassr offered an example of just such a project done in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, called Speaking Objects From the World of Islam, which animates texts written on ancient artefacts to make them easier to read and understand.
− During the panel exploring if “The Middle Eastern design language become global,” designer Abdulrahman Al Muftah remarked that regional festivals, biennales like Design Doha and other regional platforms are key to take advantage of the opportunities the region has to offer. Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder of UnlockBrands Miguel Viana said that a focus on consistency is key in terms of opening up different cultures to each other to create huge opportunities for the development of design in the region. Co-Founder of the Khaleeji Art Museum, Sharifah Alhinai, was excited about the opportunity to elevate the region by investing more in digital platforms like digital museums to reach global audiences at the click of a button.
− During the panel exploring “Is technology empowering creativity or stifling it?” Head of Robotics and AI at the Qatar Scientific Club, Mohammed Al-Qassabi remarked that the most constructive opinion on AI is that humans should work with AI rather than fight it. “We need to learn how to utilise these tools and work with them,” he said. He also stressed that the education sector should teach and train students to use AI tools efficiently, as the importance of AI is increasing, as well as its demand.
− In the “Are we designing for the experience economy” panel, Snoonu Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri said that the experience economy is all about finding synergy between diverse stakeholders. “Business cannot thrive without the positive interaction between the creative and technological industries to deliver the right value proposition for people.” To help prompt creativity in this space, he added that organisations must review their customer engagement practices and organisation structure. “Going directly to the people to see how they are using your products and creating nimble, small teams to work collaboratively can help break through the creativity block,” he said. Speaking about the success of Snoonu, he said, “We don’t build startups, we build ecosystems that welcome creativity, challenges and collaboration.”

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Doha, Qatar – April 23, 2024

Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine held the second edition of the Science Cafe series on April 22, 2024, at the Bin Jelmood House, focusing on topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recognition of World Autism Month. Titled “Managing the Puzzle: Autism Research, Inclusion, and Life Skills,” the event explored critical topics shaping the healthcare landscape concerning ASD diagnosis and management with a focus on a holistic, person-centric approach.

Fahad Al Turky, Manager of Exhibitions and Programmes at Msheireb Museums shared his thoughts after the event: “We are delighted to have partnered with Sidra Medicine once again to host an engaging and informative Science Cafe session. This event was a wonderful opportunity to increase our understanding of what it’s like to live with Autism, and to appreciate the efforts that are being made towards research in this area.”

The event brought together a diverse array of insightful speakers, including presentations from Sidra Medicine’s Sr. Attending Pediatrician Dr. Madeeha Kamal who discussed ASD management, and Dr. Aljazi Almarghi who shared the latest ASD research. Ms. Breegeen Doherty, Head of Inclusion at The Hamilton International School, focused on education inclusion, and Mr. Ryan Moignard, Qatar Foundation’s Senior ASD/Special Needs Football Specialist and Coach, discussed insights from the Ability Friendly Programme. Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Life Skills HUB Ms. Nicole Alexander covered life skills development for people with ASD, while Certified Autism Specialist Mrs. Noora Al-Eida represented the Autism Parents Platform.

In addition to hearing from clinical experts, attendees had a valuable opportunity to hear from a person living with autism, who shared their powerful story and commented on the impressive strides Qatar has made in addressing the needs of people with ASD.

Dr. Sahar Da’as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine, who was instrumental in launching Sidra Medicine’s Science Café initiative said: “I am proud of the work we have done as a community, along with our partner Msheireb Museums, to host the second Science Café on autism. As a parent of a child with autism, this topic holds a special place in my heart. Sidra Medicine is leading the way in ASD research and care in the region, making it one of the first hospitals in the GCC with an Autism Friendly initiative and the first to conduct a Middle Eastern based genetic study. I am inspired by the progress, healthcare and inclusive services available for children and families with ASD in Qatar. We hope that our collaborative efforts will contribute towards a deeper understanding of the condition.”

By convening researchers, healthcare professionals, and people with first-hand experiences, the event embodied one of the museum’s goals: to serve as a space for dialogue and discussion on the latest developments in precision health and to empower visitors with knowledge about healthy living.

Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine will continue to host the Science Cafe event series over the coming months to explore pivotal topics that raise awareness and spark curiosity, serving as a platform for discussions that explore social and health issues important to the community.

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

The first edition of the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design will award international companies and entities across four categories of human-centred design, sustainable design, technology-powered design, and lifestyle and luxury design

Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East have announced the inaugural Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design. This global initiative celebrates and honours exemplary design-driven solutions in the realms of human-centred design, sustainable design, technology-powered design, and lifestyle and luxury design. These award categories are linked to the Innovation by Design summit themes, which is being hosted by Fast Company Middle East

The award aims to champion design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, offering a platform for ideas that address individual, community, and global challenges.

Inspired by Msheireb Properties’ ethos of responsible innovation, the 2024 edition of the prize will select four winners across the designated categories. Each recipient will gain unparalleled exposure to a global audience, amplifying the impact of their creations.

“By creating a platform to bring about societal change, the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design serves as a powerful catalyst for a future focused on the wellbeing of people and the planet – a cause we champion at Msheireb Properties,” said Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Al Kuwari.

The Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design shortlist and winners will be chosen by experts in design and innovation, Msheireb Properties teams, and Fast Company Middle East editors. The panel of judges evaluates candidates based on criteria such as replicability, design thinking and audience impact (individual, community, global).

• Innovative: Does the design showcase originality and novelty?
• Sustainable and Responsible: Is the product thoughtfully designed with environmental considerations?
• Replicable: Can the solution be easily replicated or scaled?
• Impactful: Does the design solution have the potential to significantly improve lives?
• Inspiring: Does the design serve as a role model for change? Does it contribute to preserving culture and enhancing lives?

The Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design Award Ceremony will take place on 24 April 2024 at the Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha, a creative neighbourhood that nurtures collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Msheireb Properties announced a thrilling lineup of events set to welcome hundreds of creative and innovative minds.
Doha, Qatar – 4 April 2024

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s premier sustainable property developer and the force behind the innovative design approach of Msheireb Downtown Doha, is set to welcome an exciting lineup of events this spring, attracting hundreds of creatives, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators.

Following the resounding success of the Design Doha biennale opening week, Msheireb Properties has solidified its position as a hub for world-class creative and design-focused events. Over the next two months, Msheireb Downtown Doha will be hosting two significant events: the Innovation by Design Summit co-hosted with Fast Company Middle East on April 24 at the Doha Design District, and TEFFA (Technology Education Finance Fashion & Art) in May.

Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming events, stating, “We have an extensive events programme lined up for 2024, and it has already kicked off with the highly successful Design Doha and Web Summit sessions. With TEFFA and the Innovation by Design Summit coming up, we are excited by the influx of creatives and entrepreneurs drawn to Msheireb Downtown Doha. Our community has evolved into a center not just for sustainable design but also for nurturing creativity and innovation across various industries. We are proud to facilitate such landmark developments in Qatar.”

The inaugural Innovation by Design Summit in the Middle East, set for April 24, will gather thought leaders, innovators, and design experts to explore design’s transformative potential. Organised in partnership with Fast Company Middle East, the summit will bring together over 400 artists, creators, business leaders, and entrepreneurs for a day-long event. Discussions will span topics ranging from sustainable materials to biophilic design, as well as the global impact of the region’s design language, inspired by the creativity at a centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha.

TEFFA, this year focusing on AI, blockchain, and the business of fashion, will showcase the role technological innovation can play in the future of the design and fashion industries with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. Over three days, attendees will engage in insightful panel discussions and enjoy artistic performances. With a focus on interactive experiences, workshops on upcycling, AI gaming, and the Fashionton competition will be offered to cater to participants’ preferences for hands-on learning.

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

Msheireb Properties hosted an event to bring together its stakeholders in the spirit of Ramadan, and to pay tribute to their collective support in making Msheireb an innovative business and entrepreneurship hub.

Doha, Qatar – 30 March 2024

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable property developer hosted a set-piece Ramadan event to pay tribute to the support shown to the company by its many stakeholders. The event was an opportunity for Msheireb Properties to come together in gratitude and reflection on the entrepreneurial community that has sprung up in Msheireb Downtown Doha with the help of its partners.

Commenting, Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “It was important to us that we took the time during this holy month to join with partners and other distinguished guests, and for us to thank them for their support for Msheireb Properties. Without the support of partners and stakeholders, we would not have succeeded in making our flagship development Msheireb Downtown Doha into the thriving hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and business it is today. Our Ramadan event was an opportunity to thank our community, and to wish them blessings for a happy, and prosperous year ahead.”

Msheireb Properties is focused on creating a community atmosphere within its Msheireb Downtown Doha project, and this has been at the forefront of the company’s recent results. At the same time, a core focus is on maintaining the exceptionally high 80 percent visitor satisfaction rate.

Eng. Al Kuwari added: “We want every person who comes to Msheireb Downtown Doha, to have a positive experience, and while much of that is within our control, there is a lot that relies on our partners. In my address at our Ramadan event, I made sure to thank every person for the vital role they play in providing an exceptional customer experience to our visitors. Improving on this and becoming a destination for social interaction is one of our core goals, so it was important to me that I was able to share this vision with our stakeholders.”

In 2024, Msheireb Properties has the transformative vision to become a local and international destination for innovative tech companies and entrepreneurs and undertake further engagement with the public, including by playing host to international events such as the region’s first Innovation by Design Summit in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East.

Eng. Al Kuwari said: “2024 is set to be an exciting year for us at Msheireb Properties, and we are looking forward to playing host to even more visitors – with our ambition to reach 10 million visitors in this financial year. We will only be able to reach this milestone with the combined efforts of our stakeholders all working to achieve the same goals. Our Ramadan event was an important moment to reconnect and realign to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction – and it was so pleasing to see that we were.”

Pause Play Play Prev | Next

The first-ever regional Innovation by Design Summit will be held at the Doha Design District on April 24, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and design experts to explore the transformative potential of design.

Doha, Qatar – 27 March, 2024

Fast Company Middle East and Msheireb Properties have today announced the world-class lineup of speakers set to wow attendees at the first-ever regional Innovation by Design Summit on April 24 at Doha Design District. The summit, which is set to bring together leaders in the dynamic design and creative innovation space, will welcome over 400 artists, creators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and many others.

Commenting, Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “We are thrilled that the first-ever summit of its kind in the Middle East has attracted such a high calibre of speakers as part of the day-long programme. From NFT and web3 pioneer, Amrita Sethi, to world-renowned architect, Annabel Karim Kassar, and our very own local designer Abdulrahman Al Muftah, the mix of speakers is as diverse as it is exciting. We can’t wait to bring the vision of this event to life.”

Ravi Raman, the publisher of Fast Company Middle East, added: “As I said when we announced our partnership to bring this event together, in a complex and fast-paced world, design thinking and a problem-solving mindset is essential. It is fantastic to see so much talent, both emerging and established, on board with our vision for an event to celebrate and seek insights into how design can lead the way to sustainability.”

The event will address some of the biggest questions facing the design and creative industry, with debates on whether design can save the world, and panel discussions on how we can adopt sustainable new-age materials. Some of the many speakers include: Qatari inventor and entrepreneur Mohammed Al-Qassabi, Ibtechar Digital Solutions Founding Partner and CEO Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Msheireb Museums Exhibitions and Programmes Manager Fahad Al Turky, MAD Architects Associate Partner Andrea D’Antrassi, Interdisciplinary Artist and Architect Abeer Seikaly, Concept Designer and Architect Ahmad Kattan, UNStudio’s Managing Director for MEA Arjan Pit, Founder of Miniwiz Arthur Huang, Entrepreneurs and Creators Aya Ibrahim and Yasser Ibrahim, Senior Partner at Safdie Architects Charu Kokate, CEO and Founder of García Media Dr. Mario García, Edutainment Content Creator Farah ElKordy, Associate Dean and Professor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah Faysal Tabbarah, Entrepreneur and Comedian Hamad Al Amari, Founder, Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio, Saffron Brand Consultants CEO Jacob Benbunan, Ludwig & Hamilton Principal James Ludwig, Abundance Studio Founder Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos, Designer and Author Manuel Lima, Grimshaw studio Principal Matthew Utley, UnlockBrands CEO and Co-founder Miguel Viana, AGi Architect Principal Dr. Nasser Abulhasan, Khaleeji Art Museum Co-founder Sharifah Alhinai, and Managing Director of Gensler Middle East Tim Martin.

Doha Design District Senior Manager Shaikha Al Sulaiti said she is excited about the level of speakers, as well as some of the bigger questions that will be discussed. “Doha Design District takes inspiration from its location within Msheireb Downtown Doha, which exemplifies the power of design in every aspect, and Msheireb Properties’ very approach to design. I’m excited to see conversations inspired by our very surroundings take place on the conference floor, such as ‘Can the Middle Eastern Design Language Become Global”? This is a topic that all of us within the Msheireb Properties group are extremely passionate about, and I look forward to engaging in this, and many other insightful conversations.”

Doha Design District, which has emerged as a dynamic, regional hub for the global creative community will play host to the day-long event. With its thoughtful use of smart technology and sustainable solutions, the Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project, which is home to the Doha Design District, has the world’s largest concentration of LEED-certified buildings and uses modern technology to reinterpret traditional architectural practices. It is the world’s first sustainably regenerated downtown, and design enthusiasts will find something new to explore.

Alongside insightful conversation, attendees will discuss and seek insights on how design can lead the way in sustainability by striking a balance between growth and inclusion in urban design and ways to identify and support high-potential talent, rethink our design standards, and celebrate different points of view.

Delegates can register to receive their exclusive invite at Fastcompanyme.com/. The full summit programme is available at fastcompanyme