Design Mumbai cancels 2026 trade fair citing Gulf conflict as factor

The 2026 edition of Design Mumbai has been called off, with the organizers pointing to the ongoing Gulf conflict as a significant factor. Co-founders Ian Rudge, Michael Dynan, and Piyush Suri made this announcement after thorough deliberation regarding the current situation and future goals. The trade fair, which has taken place in Mumbai every November for the last two years, will not occur as intended. Future editions remain undecided, as organizers intend to conduct a detailed strategic review to evaluate aspects such as format, scope, and timing. This cancellation follows the postponement of the Design Doha biennial, now rescheduled for November due to regional tensions. Other design events, including the Stockholm Furniture Fair and Singapore Design Week, have also been removed from the 2026 schedule, with both set to relaunch as biennials in 2027. The Stockholm Furniture Fair is aiming for a February 2027 return, while the Singapore Design Biennale is planned for May 14 to June 20, 2027. The image of Design Mumbai 2025 is credited to Tom Ravenscroft.