Dubai Design Week has returned for its 10th edition, solidifying its status as the region's premier design event. Held annually in the Dubai Design District (d3), the fair has grown into a global stage, featuring the work of over 1,000 designers from more than 50 countries. This year's significant edition is set to be a transformative experience, not just for industry experts but also for the future of design, as the city further cements its reputation as the 'Middle East's design capital'.

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), marked the official launch of the design fair with enthusiasm. “Dubai Design Week’s 10th anniversary is not only a celebration of design but also a testament to the region's creative growth over the years. Our goal has always been to promote collaboration and innovation, and we are excited to be part of an event that unites design professionals, students, and global talents in a single creative community.”

A highlight of this year’s Design Week is the 'Next Gen Design' program, which supports the next generation of designers and architects in the region. Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week, stated, “We’ve collaborated with over 10 academic and university institutions to exhibit emerging talents through student-led displays. This partnership is crucial in ensuring that the UAE continues to cultivate emerging design talent, and we look forward to witnessing how these young minds will influence the future of design.”

The program underscores Dubai's increasing recognition as a hub for creative industries, particularly in design education. With over 170 Emirati designers participating in this year’s event, the focus is strongly on local talent, as the UAE asserts its position as a global design leader. The launch of the ‘Digital Creative Economy 2024’ white paper in September, developed in conjunction with d3 and Dubai Media City, projected that the global digital creative economy will reach Dh27 trillion by 2030, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global creative economy capital.

Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, shared, “We are immensely proud of the young designers showcasing their work this year, especially those from our universities. By providing platforms like ‘Future Architects’, we are nurturing the ecosystem and giving young talent the chance to share their ideas with the world.”

This year’s event also features a wide array of local and regional design practices, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a UNESCO City of Design. “Over the past five to seven years, Dubai has evolved into the design capital of the Middle East. This development has fostered a culture of design education and cross-border collaboration with leading industry minds,” Dr Saeed added.

Central to the event is Downtown Design, an exhibition showcasing 330 brands, studios, and designers, reflecting a 20 per cent increase in participation compared to last year. Another notable addition to this year’s Design Week is the ‘Editions’ exhibition, curated by Pablo del Val, Art Director of Art Dubai. This new feature integrates art and design in a distinctive manner, enabling residents to incorporate unique pieces into their daily lives.

“Editions is our way of making contemporary art more accessible. It connects design, art, and our community. This feature allows art enthusiasts to engage with affordable, unique works, ranging from ceramics to textiles, printmaking, and more,” said Pablo.

From university-led exhibitions to large-scale installations and global design showcases, Dubai Design Week offers a diverse range of experiences for everyone.

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