Red in Progress: The Historic Union of Salone del Mobile.Milano and Riyadh

For over sixty years, Salone del Mobile.Milano has played a role in shaping how the world views and understands interiors and design. This winter, that compass turned toward Middle Eastern shores. In the heart of Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the activation titled “Red in Progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh” marked a monumental milestone: Italian design’s first entry into the Arab world. This served as a significant platform for a deep dialogue between cultures and the growing design industry.

Launched in collaboration with the Architecture & Design Commission, the event marks a new era in the evolving relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia. While this activation serves as a preview for a full-scale fair planned for 2026, it already reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to design as a force that shapes community and culture. President of Salone del Mobile.Milano Maria Porro speaks exclusively to L’Officiel Arabia on building this bridge between the two cultures, who might be more similar than you’d think

Delna Mistry Anand: You’ve described this Riyadh debut as "the first bite of the cake." Why did it feel so significant to take this step now?

Maria Porro: Timing is everything! This launch coincided with a business forum organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sending a clear signal that design and furniture are part of a broader economic and cultural relationship between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There was strong institutional support and real curiosity from companies ready to explore partnerships—and that combination builds trust. Without trust, there is no future project.

Beyond the business of furniture, what aspects stood out most to you during this debut edition?

I’d say the layers of human connection we built during this time were the most special and important. Business is the foundation, but culture gives it meaning. This time in November 2025, we welcomed around 38 companies, but the interest for 2026 already exceeds that number, and this tells us the market is listening. While education builds knowledge, communication is what opens the conversation to the wider public. Throughout this, the Saudi creativity has been present and larger than life.

Did anything about the Riyadh dynamic surprise you personally?

As a woman, I noticed the etiquette first. No handshakes initially; it was a different meeting dynamic especially for an Italian like me. But very quickly, the warmth came through. By my second visit, the openness was clear. I can tell that change here is happening fast. We share more common ground than people think!

How do you see the role of women evolving within the design landscape of the Kingdom?

Women have always been present; what is changing is visibility. Many women on our team lead important areas, but that only works with strong support systems, both professionally and personally. That honesty matters in how we build this industry.

What defines the soul of Italian design for you, and how does it meet the Saudi spirit?

 I’d say that curiosity and entrepreneurship is at the core. My company is over a hundred years old, and my father still calls me with new ideas. That to me, is so special. Young creative designers are always looking for brave manufacturers. And this beautiful exchange of energy is the soul of Italian design.

What should we expect when the full Salone edition arrives in 2026?

One can expect a much larger scale, with company-designed spaces, deeper Saudi participation from designers and schools, and a stronger B2B platform. Italy is our core, it is our voice. But Salone has always been international in spirit and over time, the platform will open to a broader global dialogue.