THE second edition of Saudi Design Week (SDW) launched recently has an exclusive preview that welcomed this region's design community and international press. Under the arabesque domes of Al Faisaliah Resort and Spa in Durrat Al Riyadh, all factions of the burgeoning creative industry met, from emerging talent to established patrons; the preview acted as a platform for the novice and connoisseur to interact and engaged in cultural exchange with regional designers. SDW is founded by Munira Al-Ajlani, Noura Bouzo, and Basma Bouzo, who are joined by an esteemed advisory board: Prince Faisal Bin Saud Bin Abdulmohsen Al Saud, Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, Prince Abdullah Bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud, and Mohammed Habbas Al-Mutairi, created and organized by Oasis Magazine in partnership with The King Faisal Foundation. Saudi Design Week, which started last May 6 until May 12, 2015 at Al Faisaliah Resort, The King Faisal Foundation, Alaan Artspace, Lam Art Gallery, Naila Art Gallery, Tashkeil Studio, and The Loft, unites local, regional and international participants in the city of Riyadh and Jeddah. Workshops, design and art events will take place in conjunction with Saudi Design Week throughout the week at partner galleries and design firms, including: Art Riyadh at Naila Art Gallery, AlaanMini at Alaan Artspace, and Saudi Art Exhibition Chaos and Order (Talal Al Zeid and Hussein Al Mohasen) at Lam Art Gallery. This year's SDW was made possibly by diamond sponsor, Juffali Automotive Co. (JACO), the authorized dealer & distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Saudi Arabia. “Mercedes-Benz has always been known for its expressive exterior and interior designs. It is a strong factor that you can see in each and every one of our vehicles. We believe that automotive design is artistic creation, and that's a statement that all Mercedes-Benz Design Centers live by, and currently there are 6 Design Centers spread around the world, and their main task is to identify future trends,” stated General Manager, Safi Kobeissi. “Therefore, being part of the Saudi Design Week was something we really wanted to do. Being part of this community and to be able to showcase our latest design master piece shown in the new CLA-Class is essential in helping us be closer to our target audience.” — SG
