The ‘Innovation by Design Summit’ was launched on Wednesday, marking the first event of its kind in the region, with around 400 participants and expert speakers from the creative field. Held at the Doha Design District, the summit is organized by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East.
During the summit, the inaugural Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design was introduced, celebrating creative design thinking across four categories and highlighting Msheireb Properties’ role in shaping the future of innovation through design in the Middle East.
In his opening speech, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, expressed his pride in hosting the event, noting that it showcases Qatar’s leadership in design and its commitment to promoting innovation and creativity. He emphasized the importance of smart and sustainable design for the future.
Ravi Raman, publisher of Fast Company Middle East, highlighted the summit as an essential international platform for regional innovation. He pointed out that governments and institutions are increasingly recognizing the role of design in driving positive change and that Fast Company aims to amplify this trend through inspiring stories and impactful events.
Charu Kokate, managing partner at Safdie Architects, discussed innovative designs for major international facilities, sharing examples inspired by nature that enhance travel experiences.
Shaika Al Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), noted the museum’s commitment to creativity and design. She explained that MIA leverages technology to enrich visitors’ understanding of Islamic art, featuring interactive stations aimed at families and youth to explore topics like Islamic gardens, carpets, and coin minting.
Dr. Hafiz Ali, Director of Marketing and Communications at Msheireb Properties, described the Innovation Summit as a comprehensive event uniting arts, architecture, design, and sustainability. He emphasized the significance of hosting the summit in a city that celebrates design and heritage, positioning regional creativity on the global stage.
A session was held to discuss the adoption of modern and sustainable materials, where architecture experts addressed regional sustainability challenges, including the lack of data and the need for a unified approach to sustainability amidst industrial development pressures.
Msheireb Properties aims to transform urban living by promoting innovative solutions that enhance social interaction, respect cultural heritage, and prioritize environmental stewardship.
