The “renaissance” of the immensely wealthy and ambitious states of the Middle East continues to astonish with bold political, architectural, artistic, and technological initiatives that are reshaping the global geography of cultural destinations. The arrival in Qatar, during the first week of February, of the prestigious Art Basel fair — which has expanded from Basel to Miami, Hong Kong, Paris, and now Doha — is the latest sign of its unstoppable development.

Landing at Doha airport and encountering Urs Fischer’s gigantic yellow bear, one gisimmediately senses that Qatar is a country that assigns great importance to art.

Italian design, like fashion, has conquered the world, making us protagonists of a style and beauty recognized on a universal level. With pride and pleasure, Superstudio looks at the recent initiative of the Salone del Mobile of Milan which, thanks to the vision of its president Maria Porro, became the highlight of the contemporary design exhibition held in Riyadh last November, laying the foundations for a forward-looking collaboration. Our correspondent went there to report for you.

The Salone del Mobile of Milan, the world’s most important design fair, recently made its debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage and with the collaboration of institutions from both countries.

Not just skyscrapers in the futuristic backdrop of the capital of the Emirates. Amidst the dunes of the pristine Saadiyat Island, the Cultural District houses the museums of great masters of Western architecture and, recently, the Abrahamic Family House as well, more than a stunning architectural structure: it is a work of art symbolizing harmony among diverse cultures and religions coexisting in our global society. This extraordinary example of design not only aesthetically embodies unity but also serves as a tangible bridge between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. A possible path.

Leaning on green hills in Dubai's finance district, the majestic Museum of the Future has everyone's attention with its spectacular shape, the lightness of the covering, and the contrast between its horizonality and the surrounding vertical skylines. The inside is even more impressive…

This futuristic icon was created by an architect studio led by visionary Killa and Buro Happold using robotic technologies and algorithms. With a height of 77 meters, a surface of 30,000 square meters, and 7 floors, the Museum of the Future is a self-supporting building covered in stainless steel and glass shaped in soft lines. The structure hides many symbolic meanings: its shape resembles the eye, signifying the ability to see; its emptiness symbolizes the greater unknown that remains to be discovered; and its Arabic calligraphy (artwork of outstanding craftsmanship) encapsulates three mottoes by Sheik Mohammed bin...

“A city of arts and culture is springing up alongside the ruins of a millennial city expected to become the first 2030 tourist hub in the area”, says our correspondent from the desert of Al Ula (Saudi Arabia), Mariella Dolci. As soon as a tourist arrives at the airport, a sculpture by Manolo Valdès welcomes them. Then, out in the open desert, against the backdrop of pierced rocks shaped by the wind, the interplay of mirrors of the Maraya Center impressively multiplies the natural scenery...

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Al Ula will be the first region to open to tourism. The past is here, the future yet to be written. Hotels, restaurants for the most refined palates, cultural paths, horse races, and polo competitions are being built...