Saudi designer blends heritage with modern design
Njoud Alghamdi’s work reimagines everyday objects to preserve Saudi cultural identity through modern craftsmanship and innovation
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi product designer Njoud Alghamdi is emerging as a leading voice in culturally driven design, using contemporary forms to reinterpret traditions rooted in Saudi and Gulf social life.
Alghamdi is the co-founder and lead product designer of Muntj Studio, a Riyadh-based cultural design practice focused on transforming heritage into functional, modern objects. She describes the studio’s mission as sustaining Saudi cultural identity while presenting it in a format that resonates with global audiences.
Her work gained international attention at Dubai Design Week, where Muntj Studio showcased Nawat under the “Designed in Saudi” initiative supported by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission.
The product reflects Alghamdi’s approach to cultural innovation rather than direct replication of historical artifacts.
Nawat, the studio’s signature piece, was developed to address a familiar social issue in Gulf gatherings: the discomfort of disposing of date pits discreetly.
The design takes the form of a rounded wooden vessel with subtle openings that allow date pits to be placed out of sight, preserving etiquette and comfort at the table.
The design draws inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture, particularly the circular motifs found in old wooden doors, which historically symbolized hospitality and welcome.
Alghamdi said her team deliberately avoided sharp geometric shapes, opting instead for softer forms that align with the social symbolism of dates in Khaleeji culture.
The piece was crafted in Riyadh by local artisans using natural wood and finishes, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainable production.
Building on the success of Nawat, Muntj Studio is now developing an expanded range featuring different sizes and formats suited to various social settings.
Beyond Nawat, Alghamdi’s portfolio includes projects that reinterpret cultural rituals, such as an incense burner inspired by the form of a camel hump, designed to enhance daily incense use. The studio is also developing interactive cultural games aimed at expressing Saudi identity through play.
Alghamdi views design as a powerful storytelling tool, capable of communicating culture beyond language and borders. She has credited institutional support, particularly from the Architecture and Design Commission, for enabling Saudi designers to present their work on international platforms.
She described exhibiting at Dubai Design Week as a defining moment in her career, saying the experience reinforced her commitment to creating objects that honor heritage while speaking to the present.
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