Innovation by Design Summit, Msheireb Awards highlight Qatar’s emergence as innovation hub

Doha: The second edition of the Innovation by Design Summit, along with the expanded Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design, successfully concluded...

Doha: The second edition of the Innovation by Design Summit, along with the expanded Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design, successfully concluded at Msheireb Downtown Doha on Wednesday, highlighting Qatar’s emergence as a prominent hub for world-class design.

Presented by Msheireb Properties in partnership with Fast Company Middle East and supported by Doha Design District, with Media City Qatar as a strategic partner, the events gathered over 400 design experts, creative professionals, and industry enthusiasts from across the globe to foster essential discussions regarding the future of design.

The extensive one-day programme functioned as an interactive platform for exploring the influence of design on business, technology, and culture. The sessions covered topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainable architecture, immersive media, and cultural exchange, featuring discussions titled “Building the Nervous System of the AI Age,” “Designing for an Uncertain World,” and “When Art Meets Algorithm.” The summit attracted key figures from the regional industry, such as Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram; Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7McCann Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye; 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 & Creative Studio at Ooredoo; and Rashid Al-Derham, Co-Founder and CEO of Madad Fintech.

Speaking at the event, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “This Summit illustrates how design thinking is essential for developing progressive societies and crafting meaningful solutions. It aligns seamlessly with our vision to position Doha as a global hub for innovative ideas.”

Significant presentations featured “Spaces That Speak: Designer Spotlight,” which explored the intersection of craft, culture, and environment, as well as “The New Language of Creativity: Insights from Cannes,” which analysed how creativity adapts to contemporary challenges.