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RIYADH: Moscow-founded design exhibition ARTDOM is making its way to Riyadh from Nov. 11-12.

The exhibition of collectible furniture, interior design, and contemporary art will feature more than 200 brands and manufacturers from around the world at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center in the capital.

ARTDOM founder Daria Zolotova told Arab News the reason for picking Riyadh for its first large-scale foray into the Middle East is due to the “big boom in construction and culture” in the region.

“And I really consider the GCC market right now — it’s in a good position for developing design,” she said.

The goal of the event is to foster exchange between brands, designers, manufacturers, and buyers, with a number of the brands taking part having never shown in the Middle East before.

Design firms from the global market are expected to participate, including Moscow, Italy, and France, as well as designers from the region.

Industry icons will also participate in a series of workshops and talks at the event, including Carlo Colombo, architect and designer, co-owner of Studio A++; Giulio Cappellini, founder and art director of Cappellini; Rossana Orlandi, international gallerist and design curator; and Marzia and Leonardo Dainelli, founders of Dainelli Studio, among others.

ARTDOM hopes to also support and uplift local designers partly through competitions, including the “ARTDOM Talents: Furniture and Objects Design Competition,” which features subsections dedicated to lighting, decor and furniture.

“It is important for us to matchmake between international brands and local players,” Zolotova said.

After the Riyadh edition, ARTDOM plans to launch projects in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.

“It is important for us to convey this region in general and create the platform for the best business opportunities for matchmaking,” Zolotova said.