Second edition of Design Doha Biennale to run from April 16 to June 30, 2026
Qatar Museums announced that the second edition of the Design Doha Biennale will run from April 16 to June 30, 2026.
The event, which made its debut in 2024, will be bigger and more ambitious and will reinforce the city’s position as a global design and creativity hub.
The Design Doha Prize Ceremony, to be held on April 18, 2026, will be the event's crowning glory. The ceremony will bring together the design world’s biggest stars to celebrate innovation and excellence in the region.
Design Doha will launch an Exhibition Open Call, inviting visionary curators to shape the narrative of contemporary design. The event will be open to curators based in the MENA region and those with roots in the GCC, Levant, and North Africa, or those who are working with designers from the region.
The Open Call seeks groundbreaking exhibition proposals that spotlight the region’s rich cultural heritage and pioneering design talent.
Selected curators will collaborate closely with the Design Doha exhibition team, receiving comprehensive guidance and support to conceptualise, produce, and install their exhibitions. The submission period runs from March 13 to May 13, 2025.
Established under the leadership of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and organised by Qatar Museums, the Design Doha Biennale continues its mission to unite the global creative community.
Regarding the upcoming edition, Fahad Al Obaidly, Acting Director of Design Doha, stated: “In 2026, we’ll expand our activation across the country, positioning design at the very heart of our urban fabric. Grounded in our rich Islamic and Middle Eastern heritage, we’ll reimagine public spaces through our own unique expressions, enhancing their accessibility, walkability, and vibrancy.
“Through collaboration and innovation, Design Doha will not only celebrate our cultural identity, but also drive economic growth, foster education, and facilitate creative exchange. With great anticipation, we look forward to shaping the future at the Design Doha Biennale 2026.”
Design Doha 2026 will spotlight creativity in the Arab world while championing innovative, sustainable design solutions.
Central to this is the Exhibition Open Call — an opportunity for curators and designers to present their ideas on a global stage, engage with the creative community, and share their unique perspectives on contemporary design.
Selected exhibitions will be presented across various venues in Doha, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive dialogue on contemporary design in the region and beyond.
With a continued focus on supporting cross-cultural dialogue and nurturing new talent, Design Doha remains a vital platform for groundbreaking creative expression in the MENA region.
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