DESIGN DOHA PRIZE FAQs

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Design Doha Prize provide clear answers on eligibility, application steps, deadlines, and prize details, ensuring an easy and transparent process for participants.

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What is the Design Doha Prize?

The Design Doha Prize is a prestigious biennial initiative that celebrates and supports outstanding designers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. First launched in 2024, the prize honors excellence, innovation, and cultural relevance in design. For the 2026 edition, four winners will be selected from four categories to receive financial support and exposure.

What is the Deadline for the Design Doha Prize 2026?

The deadline is June 30 2025.

Who can apply for the Design Doha Prize?

Applicants must:

  • Be either citizens or residents of a MENA country.
  • Be at least 18 years old by the application due date.
  • Have a background in design.
  • Be available to attend the judging session in April 2026.
  • Not have previously won the Design Doha Prize.
  • For the Emerging Talent category, be currently enrolled in a design program or have graduated between 2024 and 2025.

What are the categories for 2026?

  1. Craft – Emphasizing traditional and contemporary craftsmanship such as weaving, ceramics, glass, and metalwork.
  2. Product Design – Functional, innovative products ready for market and scalable production.
  3. Furniture Design – High-quality pieces for domestic, hospitality, or commercial use.
  4. Emerging Talent – For early-career designers from Qatar and the MENA region showing exceptional potential.

What will the winners receive?

Each of the four selected designers (one from each category) will receive:

  • FINANCIAL GRANT – 200,000 QAR for each category winner.
  • RECOGNITION AND EXPOSURE
  • MENTORSHIP – 2 weeks business of design residency.
  • ACCESS TO GLOBAL RETAIL – The winners' collection will be carried for one season.
  • DESIGN RESIDENCY – Design Residency connects participants with designer projects in Qatar.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the official Design Doha website and include:

  • A completed application form (including written statements)
  • A proposed budget outlining how the grant would be used
  • A portfolio showcasing recent work
  • A company or personal profile
  • A highlighted project that best reflects the designer's approach and design process

Do I retain ownership of my design?

Yes. Winning designers retain copyright of their work. However, they agree to grant Qatar Museums a non-exclusive, non-transferable, sublicensable, and perpetual license to use, exhibit, and promote the work for non-commercial purposes related to Design Doha and Qatar Museums’ initiatives.

Will my design be exhibited?

Yes. A highlighted project submitted in your application will be borrowed by Design Doha for display purposes. A separate loan agreement will be arranged, and the design will be returned after the event.

Can I apply to more than one category?

Yes, designers may submit applications to more than one category. However, a designer can only win in one category per edition.

Is there a fee to participate?

No. Submission and participation are entirely free.

Will I be credited for my work?

Yes. All reproductions and exhibitions of the design will include proper attribution with the designer’s full name, title of the work, and date.

Who can I contact if I have technical issues or more questions?

Please contact the Design Doha Prize Team at:
lghalayini@qm.org.qa

How can I stay informed about the prize?

Follow Design Doha on social media or register your email via the official website to receive the latest updates, reminders, and announcements.