Doha, November 05 (QNA) - HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, inaugurated the Design Doha Biennial 2026 on Thursday, bringing together designers, craftspeople and creative practitioners from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond.
Running until January 31, 2027, the second edition features 20 exhibitions, new design commissions, public installations and cultural programs exploring how traditional knowledge and craftsmanship can shape the future of contemporary design.
The biennial examines how traditional practices continue to inspire contemporary design, materials and production methods. Events are taking place across Doha, with the historic district of Fereej Al Asmakh serving as the main hub, while Msheireb Downtown Doha hosts the flagship exhibition, "Arab Design Now 2026".
Design Doha Biennial Director Fahad Al Obaidly said the event celebrates the region's creative talent and rich knowledge, providing a platform for designers, craftspeople and communities to exchange ideas, develop new work and engage with the public.
Artistic Director Glenn Adamson said the biennial presents design as a form of knowledge that evolves across generations and cultures, highlighting the connection between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creative practices.
The flagship exhibition, curated by Noura Al Sayeh, brings together 81 designers, craftspeople and makers, featuring 78 newly commissioned works and 17 specially commissioned films. It explores the relationship between traditional skills and contemporary design across five thematic sections.
The exhibition is accompanied by the launch of the second volume of "Arab Design Now".
A further 19 exhibitions across Fereej Al Asmakh and other locations in Doha have been organized in collaboration with regional and international institutions and creative partners.
Highlights include "The Planter" by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, presented as part of the Qatar-Canada and Mexico Year of Culture 2026, exploring connections between the desert environments of Mexico and Qatar.
Other featured projects include "Aslan's Love Story" by the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, celebrating Palestinian craft traditions, and "Post Oil 2026", an initiative by Saudi Modern and executed by Bricklab, examining materials that have transformed the Gulf's built environment.
The program also features an initial vision for the regeneration of Al Khor's historic center developed following two years of consultations with the local community.
Displayed across three traditional houses in Fereej Al Asmakh, the project includes a full-scale canopy designed by Kere Architecture and invites visitors to contribute ideas to the next phase of the Al Khor Heritage Trail project.
The biennial aims to highlight the region's design heritage while encouraging creative exchange, innovation and new approaches to the future of design and cultural production. 
The biennial also features several other exhibitions, including "The Muqarnas of Sadu", which reinterprets traditional weaving techniques through a large-scale architectural installation and "The Common Thread", inviting visitors to participate in a collaborative weaving project. 
Fereej Al Asmakh is also hosting five new public design commissions in the form of site-specific installations aimed at creating shared spaces for community interaction and public engagement.
The installations are curated by Javier Pena Ibanez, director of Concentrico Festival, and draw inspiration from regional approaches to architecture, climate and materials. They are supported by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) as a vision partner.
The selected projects are Falajscape by Studio By Three, Shoreline by platau, "Salsabil" by Meriem Chabani (Studio New South), "Cooling Pots" by Haitham Al Dwaidi and Oscar Cruz, and "Palm Construct" by Abdullah Al Mulla. Collectively, they explore contemporary approaches to shading, cooling, water and communal spaces.
Meanwhile, the Design Doha Prize has shortlisted 20 finalists across four categories: crafts, product design, furniture design and emerging talent.
The award is chaired by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and overseen by an international jury of 24 members led by renowned designer India Mahdavi.
Four winners will be announced on November 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art, receiving a total support package worth QR800,000, alongside opportunities for mentorship, residencies, production and commercial development.
The biennial's opening program, running from November 5 to 7, includes curated exhibition tours, discussions, workshops, performances and networking events.
The 2026 Doha Design Biennial is part of the "Nation of Progress" campaign, which celebrates Qatar's cultural journey over the past 50 years since the establishment of the Qatar National Museum. It is organized by Qatar Creates, the national movement dedicated to positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture and creativity.
The biennial is supported by several partners and sponsors, including Qatar Rail, Visit Qatar, Qatar Calendar, Ashghal, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Government Communications Office, Design Doha District, Jotun, the British Council and Dana Al Fardan Music.
Their support has helped make the exhibitions, public installations and cultural programs accessible to audiences across Doha. (QNA)