Doha: The second edition of the Innovation by Design Summit and the expanded Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design concluded successfully at Msheireb Downtown Doha, marking Qatar as a burgeoning hub for world-class design.
According to Qatar News Agency, the events were presented by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East, powered by Doha Design District, and supported by Media City Qatar as a strategic partner. The summit attracted over 400 design experts, creative professionals, and industry enthusiasts from around the globe, fostering important discussions on the future of design.
The one-day programme served as a dynamic forum exploring the impact of design on business, technology, and culture. Key sessions addressed topics like artificial intelligence, sustainable architecture, immersive media, and cultural exchange, featuring discussions on “Building the Nervous System of the AI Age,” “Designing for an Uncertain World,” and “When Art Meets Algorithm.”
Prominent regional figures took part in the summit, including Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram; Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7McCann Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey; Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at Saudia Airlines; Melanie Fessel, Principal of TerreformX Europe; Homara Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Homara Media; Mohamed Kabbani, Director of Campaigns and Creative Studio, Ooredoo; and Rashid Al-Derham, Co-Founder and CEO of Madad Fintech.
Noteworthy presentations included ‘Spaces That Speak: Designer Spotlight,’ which discussed the intersection of craft, culture, and environment, and ‘The New Language of Creativity: Insights from Cannes,’ which examined the evolution of creativity to meet modern challenges. Panel discussions covered topics like ‘Multidimensional Journeys: Designing for Real Human Experience’ and ‘Connecting Worlds: Design as Cultural Exchange.’
Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, commented: “This Summit demonstrates how design thinking is fundamental to building progressive societies and creating meaningful solutions. It aligns perfectly with our vision to establish Doha as a global meeting point for forward-thinking ideas.”
Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, added: “The Innovation by Design Summit 2025 was a remarkable gathering of creative and business leaders that underscored how design, technology, and sustainability can drive real progress. As a strategic partner, Media City Qatar is committed to supporting platforms that spark innovation, contribute to economic diversification, and strengthen Qatar’s position as a hub for next-generation ideas.”
Ravi Raman, Publisher of Fast Company Middle East, stated: “What we witnessed represents a paradigm shift. The discussions prove that tomorrow’s most successful enterprises will be those guided by design principles. This is where that transformation begins.”
The Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design highlighted a significant expansion in the programme’s scope, moving beyond corporate recognition to celebrate individual visionaries shaping contemporary design.
In the Corporate Excellence Categories, “R/GA” was honoured for Technology-Driven Design with AI-powered platforms and immersive AR/VR experiences. “Landor” received recognition in Retail and Experiential for the Imperia branding project, while “Masdar City” was awarded for Sustainable Design in renewable energy initiatives and zero-carbon neighbourhoods. “Joe Doucet” was acknowledged in Travel and Hospitality for innovative hotel concepts, and “Across Renovation” earned recognition in Architecture and Urban Planning for revitalising historic buildings.
The Emerging Designer Categories showcased regional innovation in three distinct areas. Yasamin Shaikhi from VCUarts Qatar won in Product Design and Innovation for her work “Food Waste Renaissance: From the Table, For the Table,” which transforms food by-products into functional lighting, advancing circular design principles.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Thani received recognition in Art and Design Expression for his multimedia exhibition “Intaj” and creative platform “Intajat,” which bridges heritage, art, and cultural storytelling while supporting local creative ecosystems.
Bachir Mohammed was honoured in Design for Social Impact for “Echo of Lost Innocence,” a large-scale installation of 15,000 concrete-bound teddy bears symbolising children lost in Gaza, using art to raise awareness and support humanitarian relief.
The awards were presented by Eng. Al Kuwari and Eng. Al Khori, highlighting the partnership that positions Qatar as a regional design destination where global expertise meets local creativity.