Dubai Design Week's 9th Edition Gears Up to Shine as a Global Creative Hub

Dubai Design Week aims to attract over 150,000 visitors, marking a notable increase from the 135,000 attendees in 2022. Furthermore, the event has seen an impressive rise in participants, with 500 contributors compared to last year's 250.

Dubai Design District is set to transform into a global creative hub, drawing architects, designers, influencers, and the general public, further cementing Dubai's reputation as the Middle East's design and creative capital, as well as a UNESCO City of Design.

The festival promises to showcase over 20 large-scale outdoor installations, emphasizing the convergence of design, science, and technology to rediscover materials from our past while promoting sustainable practices.

Photo: Dubai Design Week

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Dubai has forged a formidable platform fueling creative innovation, collaboration, and opportunities." Through Dubai Design Week, they aim to provide a platform for talent from d3, the UAE, and beyond to exhibit their work globally.

Celebrating a decade of top-notch design, the 10th edition of Downtown Design, the main event, will be held by the waterfront at d3 from November 8-11. This trade fair, dedicated to contemporary and high-quality design, will feature the latest collections and products from over 300 international and regional brands and designers representing 40 countries.

Notably, Pakistan will be represented at the fair by 'ALEEYA. design studio,' based in Karachi. Founded by Aleeya Khan, a Columbia University-trained architect, the studio has been a pioneer in introducing innovative designs and products.

"This is our first time at Dubai Design Week, and we are very excited to exhibit our work at two separate exhibitions - Downtown Design & Isola's 'Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens,'" Khan stated during an interview. "It's a great opportunity to put Pakistan on the global map and highlight local talent."

A view of the The Forum 2023, set in a cloudscape concept and intimate setting, designed by Intercon. Photo: Dubai Design Week, Photo: Dubai Design Week

The event will also feature Downtown Editions, showcasing works by independent designers, studios, and galleries from around the world, with a special focus on the region. Exhibits like 'Arabi-An' by Mitsubishi Jisho Design and installations using mother of pearl oysters by Bahraini designer Sara Al Rayyes are set to captivate visitors.

Furthermore, Dubai Design Week is partnering with French perfumer Frédéric Malle to commission an exhibition of three Middle Eastern female photographers interpreting one of Malle's signature fragrances.

‘Shaking Sanctuary: Urban Shade’ by nngg Studio is an urban retreat integrating flexible poles that respond to human touch, mirroring the sway of a forest walk. Photo: Dubai Design Week

Natasha Carella, Programming Director for Dubai Design Week, noted that this year's event has evolved into the most innovative edition yet, focusing on sustainability. The program aims to foster a dialogue on sustainability and its importance in the future of the design industry.

‘Arabi-An’ by Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Jisho Design. Photo: Dubai Design Week

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, d3 will host The Forum, a series of live talks, panel discussions, and keynotes by an array of regional and international designers, creatives, and thought-leaders.

‘Light Gazing’, Downtown Design headline installation, is a creative collaboration between Light & Lives and Ultra Arte. It intends to reflect on the flexible relationship between design and nature, the sculpture prompts the visitor to observe the play of sunlight against artificial illumination on the same element. Photo: Dubai Design Week

With a Maker Space powered by IKEA offering hands-on workshops and The Marketplace showcasing consciously curated designs and businesses, Dubai Design Week promises an inspiring and engaging experience for all.