#INTERVIEW: BMW Saudi Arabia on Design, Culture & Vision 2030: A Conversation with David McGoldrick
As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward its bold Vision 2030, BMW is doing its part in shaping cultural conversations. At the recently held, Downtown Design Riyadh, David McGoldrick, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, sat down with L’Officiel Arabia to discuss how BMW is championing local creatives, aligning with the Kingdom’s artistic evolution and driving a new era of design-forward, sustainability-led innovation in the region.
Delna Mistry Anand: Tell us about BMW stepping into the design space at this particular time during Downtown Design Riyadh. What made this moment feel right?
David McGoldrick: From a global perspective, BMW Group has always been supportive of arts and design to encourage cultural dialogue, and we had a strong desire to localize it here in Saudi Arabia. We’re committed to supporting local talents and local initiatives that align with the Kingdom’s growing focus on design and creativity, so the opportunity to partner with Downtown Design Riyadh and showcase our commitment came at the right time.
In what ways does BMW’s presence at Downtown Design mirror the evolving cultural and creative identity of today’s Saudi Arabia?
A major focus for us at BMW Saudi Arabia is supporting and contributing to Vision 2030, which is truly the narrative of the modern Kingdom. This vision includes increasing Saudi Arabia’s focus on arts and culture through our presence at Downtown Design, while providing premium electric mobility solutions to support a more sustainable transportation sector and more.
How do you see the intersection of automotive innovation and contemporary design shaping the way we experience mobility and lifestyle today?
To me, they’re intrinsically linked, as cars today are truly an extension of ourselves. Take the BMW 7 Series which has a progressive identity and refined design philosophy, of elegance without excess. Its interiors were designed to reflect more of a living space, with materials like cashmere wool and Merino leather.
What made the creative synergy between BMW, Amani Al-Ibrahim, and the Kristina Zanic team feel like the right design alliance for this moment in Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution?
When we started working with the Downtown Design Riyadh team, we knew that our sponsorship and presence at the fair needed to be reflective of the BMW brand while also distinctly representing the Kingdom and its Vision.
We were already familiar with Amani and the Kristina Zanic team, and really admired their work. Amani already had something in mind for the lounge and it matched our vision – the rest is history.
How does this activation tie into BMW’s broader global vision for sustainability and design thinking?
As mentioned before, BMW Group has always been supportive for art, design and culture, and the BMW Lounge was our local manifestation of the global vision. For example, the BMW Lounge’s materials (right from traditional weaving motifs to sustainable elements like Econyl) reflects BMW’s design DNA: conscious, contextual and future-facing.
How does “Forwardism” .. resonate with the Saudi market today?
Saudi Arabia is a country with such a rich history and culture, and as the Kingdom continues to innovate through Vision 2030 and beyond, it still maintains its roots. Rooted in context but driven by what’s next.
BMW has deep roots in the arts. How do these design and cultural investments complement the core automotive business?
We aren’t focusing solely on selling cars, we want to connect with consumers and automotive enthusiasts in a meaningful way, creating conversations and connections.
Take our BMW showroom, it’s been fully transformed into a more immersive retail experience where people can truly engage with the brand, beyond just looking at the latest models.
Finally, what’s been the most rewarding part of bringing this space, and this collaboration, to life?
It’s been the opportunity to engage with a dynamic audience and showcase BMW Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurture and champion Saudi creatives as we pursue the ambitions of Vision 2030 that places art, culture and design at the beating heart of the Kingdom’s development.
