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