THE TIMES KUWAIT REPORT
The Middle East’s largest design festival, Downtown Design, will take place at Dubai Design District (d3) from 7–12 November, featuring contributions by more than 500 participants from over 40 countries.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the ninth edition of the festival will host its most diverse program of events and activities, including exhibitions, new commissions, pop-ups, talks, workshops, as well as other innovative design projects and experiences.
A key feature of this year’s program will be large-scale outdoor installations with a focus on how design, science and technology can converge to reclaim materials of our past, as well as reimagine new forms that foster sustainable practices with immersive public interventions made from materials such as palm leaves, loofah, sugar and paper pulp, with 3-D printed architecture at the forefront.
The event aims to attract more than 150,000 visitors to d3’s global creative hub, including architects, designers, thought leaders, influencers and public audiences from the region and around the world, further cementing Dubai’s position as the design and creative capital of the Middle East and a UNESCO City of Design.
“Creative industries are not solely engines of economic growth – they shape societies and identities. By focusing on this intersection, Dubai has forged a formidable platform fueling creative innovation, collaboration and opportunities,” said Senior Vice President of d3, Khadija Al Bastaki. She added, “This year, as always, talent will embrace our call to Rethink the Regular and springboard brilliant ideas, creations and perspectives that show us where the creative compass points.”
For her part, Programming Director for Dubai Design Week, Natasha Carella, commented, “Our program has been developed in partnership with d3 for both the design community and the general public alike. We aim to foster a dialogue around sustainability through engaging and thought provoking initiatives and focus attention on how different practices can converge to look at sustainability, which we see as pivotal for the future of the design industry.”
In his remarks on the occasion, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash noted, “Design plays a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of design and innovation locally, regionally and globally and is a key pillar of our strategic roadmap, and we are dedicated to providing ongoing support to nurture creativity and the inspiring individuals driving it forward.”
Acclaimed as the Middle East’s leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design, Downtown Design showcases the latest collections, innovative products, and design solutions, complemented by a line-up of creative concepts and installations, experiences, and industry events. It’s the ultimate destination for those seeking the latest trends in interior design, furniture, lighting and home accessories.
A line-up of talks, workshops and masterclasses throughout the week will provide visitors of all ages a level of design know-how with a series of hands-on activities. This will be an opportunity to experience and learn from a range of practitioners – from professors of world-renowned institutions to expert facilitators and craftsmen.
For those looking to take a piece of Dubai Design Week home, The Marketplace (11-12 November), is a consciously curated outdoor shopping experience enabling visitors to discover the very best of the city’s creatives, artisans and small businesses, from handcrafted unique goods and sustainably sourced products to a wide range of delicious food and children’s activities. Located in the heart of Dubai Design District (d3), The Marketplace is a must-visit destination for all the family.
Dubai Design Week has evolved from its inception in 2015 into a major international design event. Its success can be attributed to its diverse programming, global reach, commitment to innovation and supporting local talent, and its role in shaping Dubai’s identity as a thriving center for design and creativity in the Middle East. Over the years, Dubai Design Week has gained recognition on the global stage. It has become a platform for both emerging, pioneering and established designers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and gain exposure in the Middle East and beyond.
