In the embrace of the ancient and the heartbeat of modern innovation, AlUla's Design Space opens its arms to the world.

The newly inaugurated Design Space AlUla in Saudi Arabia heralds a vibrant intersection of creativity and heritage, enshrined within the dynamic AlJadidah Arts District. As a sanctuary for design, the space unfurls as a nexus for dialogue, a cradle for collaborative ventures among the diverse spectrum of design disciplines.

This February, the AlUla Arts Festival welcomed a contemporary gem, the Design Space AlUla, offering an exhibition space, workshops, and an archive to spark synergy among design professionals and aficionados. Under the curatorial guidance of Sara Ghani, the inaugural exhibition "Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design" showcases the profound influence of AlUla's heritage on contemporary design narratives. Here, the artistry of Hopkins Architects, Roth Architecture, Allies and Morrison, and the creative minds from the AlUla Design Award and representatives from the AlUla Design Residency's first edition echo this storied land's ancient whispers.

Crafted with corten steel, glass, and polished concrete, the architectural vernacular of the Design Space pays tribute to the district's iconic breezeblock motif. Shaped around a plaza, the luminous courtyard design is complemented by the exposed geometrical brickwork, taking the form of an intricate lattice façade, bringing further light and natural ventilation throughout the building.

The inaugural exhibition delves into 10 AlUla-inspired designs, revealing the thoughtful processes behind projects such as Giò Forma Studio/Black Engineering’s Maraya, a 9,740m2 mirror-clad venue that blends with its awe-inspiring surroundings, and Roth Architecture’s Azulik Eco Resort which draws inspiration from the stories of wind and erosion, ensuring the project seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.

Other exhibitors include finalists from the second edition of AlUla Design Award Imane Mellah, Teeb, Sara Kanoo and Shaddah Studio, and representation from the first edition of the AlUla Design Residency. The residency is a five-month programme in AlUla that brings together designers and experts on-site to work across multiple disciplines, such as infrastructure development and architectural design, exploring public realm interventions and urban furniture, sustainability and local building materials. The five design practices engaged in the residency are: bahraini – danish from Bahrain and Denmark, Hall Haus from France, Studio Leo Orta from France, Studio Raw Material from India, and Leen Ajlan from Saudi Arabia.

As an ongoing testament to innovation, the Design Space will archive these creative endeavours, curating a repository of design that entwines the very fabric of AlUla. From keynote presentations to masterclasses and workshops, the program promises a vibrant exchange of ideas. The AlUla Arts Festival complements this unveiling, enriching the tapestry of cultural offerings that AlUla presents to the world.

AlUla's Design Space emerges not just as a gallery but as a living dialogue between the past and the future, fostering sustainable design philosophies rooted in the essence of its locale. It is a beacon for the design economy, providing a haven for research, exploration, and connection. The vision that propels the Design Space is to immortalize AlUla's design ethos, nurturing a legacy that harmonizes with its breathtaking landscapes and cultural depth.

AlUla, known for its enchanting desert vistas, verdant oasis, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, provides the perfect canvas for this synthesis of art, culture, and design. With the opening of Design Space AlUla, the narrative of this ancient land continues to unfold, capturing the imagination of visitors and inspiring the hands of creators. In the pulse of the AlJadidah Arts District, history is preserved and given new life through the lenses of designers and artists from around the globe.

The Design Space AlUla emphasizes the power of place in inspiring creative excellence. It is an elegant reminder of how heritage fuels innovation, ensuring that the spirit of AlUla continues to thrive in every curve, contour, and concept born within its walls. This is where tradition and vision converge, where every design tells the story of AlUla, not just as a chapter in history but as a living, breathing muse for the future.