The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Designathon, the premier event in the field of design and innovation, organized by the Architecture and Design Arts Commission. The challenge will take place at the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City (MiSK) from January 29 to 31, 2026, offering substantial cash prizes totaling 525,000 Saudi Riyals. The aim is to incentivize innovators to utilize design in creating sustainable solutions that contribute to improving quality of life.
A strategic context aligned with Vision 2030
The organization of Designathon is not an isolated event, but rather part of a broader strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to build a prosperous and diversified economy based on innovation and knowledge, and to enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents. The Architecture and Design Arts Commission plays a pivotal role in this direction by supporting and empowering the design sector, which is a key driver of urban, cultural, and economic development. Designathon is an ideal platform for translating these aspirations into tangible reality, bringing together creative minds to address real challenges facing society.
Innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges
The fourth edition features broad participation from designers, developers, and innovators, along with more than 35 international and local experts to provide guidance and mentorship to participants. To ensure comprehensive coverage of various aspects of design, three main tracks have been identified for the challenge:
- Design for all: This track focuses on creating inclusive and accessible solutions for everyone, including the elderly and people with disabilities, to promote inclusivity in the urban environment and digital services.
- Technology in design: This track aims to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things into design processes to create smart and sustainable products and services.
- Design from the place: This approach encourages drawing inspiration from cultural identity and local heritage in creating contemporary designs that reflect the authenticity of the place and preserve its unique character.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Designathon holds significant importance on multiple levels. Locally, the event contributes to honing national talent and provides a platform for showcasing their ideas, while also offering practical solutions to the challenges facing Saudi cities. Regionally and internationally, Designathon has established itself as a leading event. Notably, the third edition, held in 2025, achieved a unique national milestone by being registered in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest design hackathon in terms of the number of participants. This achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation, and attracts the attention of international investors and experts to the promising Saudi design sector.
Valuable prizes to support winning projects
The Architecture and Design Arts Commission has allocated a total of SAR 525,000 in prize money, to be distributed among nine winning teams, with three teams receiving prizes in each track. The first-place team will receive SAR 100,000, the second-place team SAR 50,000, and the third-place team SAR 25,000. These prizes aim to provide initial financial support to innovators to transform their winning ideas into startups capable of creating a positive and sustainable impact on society.
