Since its first appearance, Saudi Arabia, under the stewardship of the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, has marked its presence at four editions of the London Design Biennale. Each contribution has reflected rapidly evolving design approaches and cultural engagement.
Saudi Arabia joined the Biennale for the first time in 2017. The pavilion announced the Kingdom's ambition to contribute meaningfully to global cultural conversations through design and architecture, with support from the Architecture and Design Commission.
The nation returned in 2019 with a more articulated voice. Although details of the pavilion’s theme are limited in public records, participation reinforced Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural exchange and design diplomacy.
In the fourth edition (2023), Saudi Arabia unveiled Woven, a collaborative piece by Ruba Al‑Khaldi and Lojain Rafaa. Inspired by Sadu weaving, a traditional Bedouin art, the installation allowed visitors to weave threads into a growing tapestry during the exhibition. This piece highlighted interactive heritage and cultural identity
The 2025 edition marked the fourth participation, and the latest, of Saudi Arabia, with a compelling exhibition titled Good Water, hosted from 5–29 June at Somerset House in London
Good Water: Reimagining Water Through Design
Concept & Theme
In line with the Biennale’s overarching theme, “Surface Reflections”, Good Water probes hidden systems of water access, distribution, infrastructure, and cultural values. At its centre stands a traditional sabeel, a public water fountain emblematic of Arab hospitality, reframed to question the true cost of "free" water.
The pavilion was curated by multidisciplinary designers Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan, and Fahad bin Naif, whose combined backgrounds span architecture, fine art, film, installation, and cultural design. Commissioned and overseen by the Architecture and Design Commission, under CEO Dr Sumayah Al‑Solaiman, the pavilion reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aim to spotlight creative talent on the international stage.
Exhibition Experience
- Sabeel Fountain: A prominent public fountain offering water in London prompts visitor reflection on infrastructure, labour, energy and water commodification, how and why we assume water is free.
- Videos & Data Displays: Four short films and data visuals document the journey from desalination, factory work, energy use, bottle production, distribution, and consumption, underscoring labour, cost, and scale.
- Utilities On View: Pipes, filters, valves, tanks and other raw infrastructure were laid bare, aligning with a “design without designers” philosophy to expose systems rather than prettify them.
- Visitor Engagement: Attendees were invited to drink responsibly, using paper cups labelled ‘Good Water: 500 ml = one AI prompt’, and refill reusable bottles, sparking conversation around what “free” really means.
Cultural & Environmental Insights
- The sabeel has deep roots in Saudi culture, tied to the Zamzam well, Abrahamic legend, and values of solidarity and communal responsibility.
- Though Saudi Arabia is currently the world's largest producer of desalinated water, every drop has environmental, energy, labour and economic footprints.
- The pavilion aims to make invisible systems visible, and push visitors to ask: Who pays for free water? What does it cost, and who bears that cost?.
The exhibition’s execution was managed by Imagination, a global experience design agency, in collaboration with Pelham Communications and supported logistically by the Architecture and Design Commission.
Saudi Arabia’s journey at the London Design Biennale, from its first appearance in 2017 to the powerful Good Water exhibition in 2025, shows clear progress in creative thinking, cultural reflection, and working with international partners. The four unique pavilions tell a story of growth, from early participation and interactive cultural displays to deeper questions about systems and how things work behind the scenes.
Good Water stands out as a powerful statement that transforms a humble cultural symbol into a global environmental dialogue. It reminds London and the international community that while water may seem free, it carries hidden costs, ethical, environmental, economic, and that design can surface these invisible systems and spark critical conversation.
Through projects like Good Water, Saudi Arabia communicates its values, such as hospitality, environmental awareness, and social responsibility, without words. This helps reshape global perceptions of the Kingdom, moving beyond stereotypes and showcasing its cultural depth and ambition.
