Riyadh’s creative scene has a new addition. Lift, a gallery, co-working space and concept store rolled into one, has opened its doors in JAX District, the pedestrian-friendly cultural district on the outskirts of the city.
Founded by Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz Al Saud, Lift is designed to be more than just a place to look at art. Visitors can browse exhibitions, shop for creative pieces, grab a coffee, attend workshops or simply spend time in the space. It is meant to be a place where creative professionals can meet, make art and exchange ideas.
Lift first opened in central Riyadh in 2020 before beginning its move to JAX District in late 2024. The new 6,500-square-foot space has been designed by Saudi architecture firm Quartz and is now fully open to the public.
Flexibility is a big part of the design. Moveable walls and multi-purpose areas allow the space to change depending on what’s happening, from exhibitions and workshops to events and creative sessions.
A Space That Goes Beyond a Gallery
Lift doesn’t work with a fixed group of represented artists. Instead, its programme brings together emerging and established creatives from Saudi Arabia and the wider region, alongside international names.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the exhibitions. Lift’s public space includes a cafe, lounge, concept stores, meeting rooms and event areas, creating somewhere visitors can spend time even when they’re not attending an exhibition.
The space also reflects Nouf’s own background in fashion and her interest in bringing different creative disciplines together, including visual art, design, film, photography and fashion.
Rather than trying to hide JAX District’s industrial character, the Lift team has embraced it. The interiors are deliberately minimal, allowing each exhibition to give the space a different look and feel.
This approach fits naturally into JAX District, which has become one of Riyadh’s main creative hubs since its official opening in 2021. The former industrial district now brings together galleries, studios, cafes and cultural institutions across around 120,000 square metres.
Among its cultural names are the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), alongside spaces run by artists and designers.
With Lift now joining the neighbourhood, JAX District has another place for visitors to discover contemporary art, meet local creatives and spend an afternoon exploring a different side of Riyadh’s cultural scene.
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