Doha Design District recently hosted *Between Sada and Mada*, a thought-provoking Design Talk featuring Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram, that brought together members of Qatar’s creative community for an evening of dialogue on language, culture, and contemporary design.

Held at Sada within Doha Design District, the talk explored the relationship between language, translation, identity, and design culture, examining how meaning shifts across cultures, geographies, and languages. Drawing on her extensive work across the Gulf and internationally, Maakaroun reflected on the space between Arabic and English, and how design can serve as a powerful tool for shaping and communicating cultural identity.

Through examples spanning multilingual branding, visual systems, and institutional narratives, the session highlighted the role of language and storytelling in building meaningful connections between people, places, and ideas. Participants gained insight into the challenges and opportunities of designing across linguistic and cultural contexts, while exploring the intersections of East and West through the lens of contemporary design practice.

The discussion also addressed broader questions surrounding perception, understanding, and the ways identity is continuously constructed, translated, and reinterpreted. By sharing experiences from projects across the region and beyond, Maakaroun offered a compelling perspective on the evolving role of design in an increasingly interconnected world.

As part of Doha Design District’s ongoing programme of talks and community-driven initiatives, *Between Sada and Mada* provided a platform for creative exchange, critical reflection, and meaningful conversation. The event reaffirmed Doha Design District’s commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting a vibrant design ecosystem that celebrates cultural diversity, knowledge sharing, and innovation.