Salone del Mobile Postpones Riyadh Launch Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

MILAN – The much-anticipated inaugural edition of Salone del Mobile in Riyadh, originally slated for November 2026, has been postponed to 2027 due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This decision comes as the region grapples with significant disruptions affecting various sectors, including international shipping and large-scale events.

Maria Porro, president of Salone del Mobile.Milano, confirmed the postponement in a statement to WWD, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the region's design landscape. "Together with Italy's Architecture and Design Commission, we have therefore agreed to reschedule the first full edition in 2027," she explained. Despite the delay, Porro reassured stakeholders that their partnership with Saudi Arabia remains robust, highlighting ongoing efforts through the Salone World Tour.

Commitment to Saudi Arabia and Design Initiatives

The Salone World Tour is set to kick off with a presentation at Indonesia Design Week, showcasing the Salone Satellite Permanent Collection, which features emerging designer works. Although a specific Riyadh event has yet to be scheduled, Porro reiterated the significance of the Riyadh edition in promoting Italian business interests as Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 initiative.

During a bilateral meeting in July, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed the importance of Salone del Mobile.Milano as a platform for collaboration in design and innovation.

Market Challenges Amidst Declining Exports

The ongoing conflict has cast a shadow over the global design and interiors market, with Italy's luxury design sector feeling the impact. In the first quarter of 2026, exports to the Middle East dropped by nearly 49%, contributing to an overall decline in Italy's wood and furniture export market by 5.2% during the same period. In light of these challenges, luxury brands continue to pursue long-term growth, with Kartell planning a Riyadh store launch in fall 2026 and Minotti having recently opened a flagship location in downtown Riyadh.

Despite the backdrop of conflict, key design events in the region are set to proceed. Upcoming shows include the Design Doha Biennale and Dubai Design Week, which is central to the region's burgeoning design sector, projected to reach a value of $35 billion by 2031.

Source: wwd.com