Design Space AlUla made a high-profile return to Paris Design Week from 11th to 13th September, 2024, in collaboration with the French collective Hall Haus at Lafayette Anticipations. This marked the second consecutive year of AlUla’s participation, reinforcing the city’s growing influence as a global design hub. 

Organised in partnership with the French Agency for AlUla Development (AfalUla) and ArtsAlUla, the event provided a dynamic collaborative platform for Saudi and French designers to push the boundaries of creativity. showcased the creative synergy between AlUla’s ancient landscapes and modern design, emphasising the cross-cultural collaboration putting AlUla firmly on the global design map.

The exhibition spotlighted works from the AlUla Design Residency, launched in 2023, where designers spent two months immersed in AlUla’s landscape, drawing inspiration from its deserts and ancient ruins. Previously unveiled at the Milan Furniture Fair, these pieces were transformed through collaborations with renowned French artisans, blending modern innovation with AlUla’s heritage. 

Standout pieces included Leo Orta’s adobe bench, reinterpreted in bronze by the Fusions foundry, and Hall Haus’s "Haus Dari" sofa, dressed in Lelièvre fabric, offering a striking mix of modernity and textile craftsmanship. Leen Ajlan’s "Takki" game board, transformed into a work of art in leather and wood marquetry with the help of cabinetmaker Anne Farouche, further exemplified the cross-cultural creativity on display.

The initiative highlights AlUla's evolving role as a global design hub, fostering cross-cultural exchange and positioning itself as a leader in creative innovation. The revitalisation of AlUla—historically a crossroads for trade and cultural transfer—is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Journey Through Time Masterplan. These projects are not only transforming local and national talents into valuable social and economic opportunities, but also embedding design and creativity into the region’s development.

As AlUla continues to rise on the international stage, the synergy between its ancient heritage and contemporary artistic expressions becomes ever more apparent. By merging local craftsmanship with global perspectives, AlUla is crafting a new cultural legacy that promises to inspire future generations.

To learn more about Design Space AlUla, click here