Daria Zolotova.. Founder of ARTDOM Driving the Middle East’s Cultural Renaissance from Riyadh to Dubai
- Founder of ARTDOM.
- Major investor in the Middle East’s cultural scene, hosting the first major art forum congress in Riyadh this November.
- Plans to launch the first Dubai ARTDOM event in 2026.
Background & Education
Having demonstrated a natural flair for aesthetics and creativity at a young age, Daria obtained a degree in Cultural Studies and Design before embarking on her professional career producing cultural and fashion events where she favoured the path of independence and creative freedom.
As her passion for creating projects that combine beauty, storytelling and emotional resonance evolved, so did her area of expertise, which eventually led her to the field of furniture and interior design
During the global pandemic, Daria founded ARTDOM, a platform and forum concept dedicated to collectible furniture, interiors and contemporary design, uniting leading international brands and designers with a discerning audience. The project includes design tours, special events, and strategic collaborations, with representatives in Italy, Dubai, Brazil, and Kazakhstan.
Over the years, ARTDOM has welcomed over 120,000 guests and featured more than 1,200 brands, with 50% of exhibitors being international. A significant portion, around 80%, are Italian brands, highlighting strong ties to Europe’s design heritage.
Design Philosophy
Daria’s love for design began in early childhood. She has a deep intuitive sense of aesthetics, what she calls her “internal beauty filter.” From textures and silhouettes to architectural harmony, she finds beauty in detail and balance.
Her inspiration comes from a mix of global influences: she draws from European elegance, especially Italian architecture and the structured beauty of Haussmann-era Paris, while also appreciating the boldness and scale of contemporary cities like Dubai.
While she doesn’t align with any specific national school of design, her style is defined by emotional resonance and timeless harmony, rather than geography.
Why the Middle East, Why ARTDOM in Riyadh?
Daria sees the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, as entering a new era of creative renaissance. Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a global design capital, making it the ideal stage for ARTDOM. Her vision is to integrate international design expertise with regional culture, history, and values, creating a dialogue that enriches both sides.
Deeply interested in Eastern culture since her university years, Daria views ARTDOM as a cultural institution rather than just an exhibition, working with governments, museums, educational institutions, and patrons to advance the industry and foster cultural exchange.
Business Vision for the Region
The Middle East is a unique combination of economic ambition and cultural awakening. My goal is to position ARTDOM as a bridge between global design leaders and the regional creative community. We’re creating a platform where international expertise meets local values and together, they generate ideas that shape the future of design in this part of the world.
“The Middle East is a unique combination of economic ambition and cultural awakening. My goal is to position ARTDOM as a bridge between global design leaders and the regional creative community. Together, we can create ideas and projects that shape the future of design while respecting cultural heritage.”
Looking Ahead: 5-Year Vision in Saudi Arabia
Daria envisions ARTDOM as a sustainable creative ecosystem for designers, architects, premium brands, and clients. In the next five years, the platform aims to:
- Build strong partnerships with both public and private sectors
- Actively participate in key cultural and business events
- Develop signature projects that become benchmarks in the region
The focus is on cultural development, long-term business relationships, and international cooperation.
