Maintaining cultural authenticity and incorporating links to the Kingdom’s heritage are key to the future of Saudi Arabia’s design industry, but not to the detriment of efficiency and sustainability, according to leading industry experts at the first-ever Interiors and Furniture Show (IFS) Jeddah.
Powered by INDEX Saudi, IFS Jeddah opened on Tuesday for a landmark three-day run at the Jeddah Superdome, providing the design and fit-out industries with an unparalleled platform to display products and services, explore opportunities, and strengthen regional and international networks, while shining a spotlight on young designers and future industry changemakers.
In an enthralling panel discussion titled Inspired Future Spaces – Tourism Redefined in the Western Province (Luxury Hospitality), a quartet of industry leaders discussed how to find the right balance between paying homage to Saudi’s past while taking the industry forward.
Panelists Amani Al Ibrahim, Partner – Executive Director, Kristina Zanic Consultants; Iman Abuljadayel, Founder of In Detail Design; JS Anand, Founder, LEVA Hotels; Shahzad Azam, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, IDA Global and Samer Sabra, Chief of Assets, Jabal Omar Development Co; discussed how authenticity is a key driver of how luxury experiences and modern hospitality spaces should evoke emotions, memories, and connections to Saudi’s heritage.
With guests now seeking more experiential luxury, the experts agreed that spaces should tell a story and become immersive. Yet while the preservation of original architectural elements such as stone walls and wooden doors and enhancing them with modern lighting and layouts is a key design trend, cost efficiency remains crucial, they said. Character cannot come at the expense of financial feasibility.
The panelists also emphasized that heritage elements should be thoughtfully integrated without inflating costs, ensuring profitability for developers while maintaining cultural authenticity. An example of this would be using local materials and craftsmanship to enhance sustainability and support local artisans.
Echoing those sentiments, Al Guthmi, a pioneer in luxury fabrics with an 80-year history, is using IFS Jeddah to showcase its Saudi 2030 Collection of Texcare fabrics—water-repellent, flame-retardant, antibacterial, and eco-friendly – blending company and country heritage and a future focus.
“Our transformation reflects our commitment to innovation while honoring our legacy. As industry pioneers, we continuously strive for excellence in quality, sustainability, and customer experience,” said Ahmed Mohamed Guthmi, CEO of Al Guthmi, a gold sponsor of IFS Jeddah.
As a Gold Sponsor of IFS Jeddah, the brand continues to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s home décor and interior design landscape and the region.
“With a strong foundation in quality, sustainability, and innovation, Guthmi remains dedicated to redefining home interiors, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come,” added Guthmi.
Meanwhile, Surfaces Furnishings is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability by displaying its latest products, including yarns made from recycled plastic bottles.
“At Surfaces Furnishing we take pride in leading the way with innovative and sustainable furnishing solutions. Our mission is to transform spaces and enhance lifestyles. We are excited to present our designs that combine functionality, style and sustainability, sparking creativity in every project,” said Rashed Yousif Ahmed Mohamed Almarzooqi, Managing Director, Surfaces Furnishings.
Modern Workspaces Must Flex to Suit Evolving Needs of Company and Its Employees
On the IFTalks Stage, a panel of leading design experts discussed how modern-day workspace designs need to be adaptable to cope with the evolving needs of companies and their workforce. With hybrid working, company growth and the needs of managers and employees now more important than ever, designers are required to think smart and innovate in order to keep clients happy.
Fatemah Almadani, Founder of Jeddah Architects, cited an example in which a client wanted a space big enough to accommodate 50 per cent growth but didn’t want the space looking empty as they waited for organic growth.
“We made a plan where we had a desk but between each department in the open plan space we made a pop-up breakout area, and then once the people started to fill the office we just removed the breakout spaces,” she explained.
Also part of the panel, Julia Parfenova, Head of Interior Design at IND, discussed how it is not just companies that need to be flexible for their staff, designers must be flexible to meet the needs of a client. While admitting office designs for tech companies can often be very similar, adaptability is needed for certain clients, who desire “close spaces, inoculated spaces, different sized offices to show off their management,” she said.
Powered by INDEX Saudi Arabia, Interiors & Furniture Show Jeddah runs until Thursday, February 20 at Jeddah Superdome, featuring 100 exhibiting brands from 12 countries. For more information, visit https://www.interiors-furnitureshowjeddah.com
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