The primary design platform in the Middle East, Dubai Design Week, returned in November with a focus on regional designers. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and a member of the Dubai Council, the Middle East design platform brings together established and emerging designers from the region to exchange ideas, inspire the public, and showcase the possibilities achievable through design.
With the participation of over 500 designers, architects, and arts professionals, Dubai Design Week featured compelling installations, commissioned projects, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops exploring topics such as sustainability, emerging technologies, and design-led impact solutions.
In this context, Downtown Design, the flagship event of Dubai Design Week and the premier contemporary design fair in the region, marked its 10th edition by organizing a fundraising initiative for the UAE Red Crescent to support relief efforts in Gaza.
Celebrating a decade of contemporary design, Downtown Design showcased over 300 international and regional brands and designers from more than 40 countries, reflecting Dubai’s influence on the growing design sector in the region. In its 10th edition, the fair hosted some of the most exclusive brands worldwide, including Cassina unveiling its new made-in-Italy designs, Cosentino’s Roman bath concept in collaboration with Kristina Zanic Consultants, Dedar’s creative collaboration titled “Reverie” in partnership with Popus Eduitions and 1.6.0 Editions, Flexform presented by Obegi Home with a grand outdoor showcase, the globally renowned Kartell returning to Downtown Design after 10 years, and Poltrona Frau, a leader in Italian design, promoting an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation.
In the fair’s section dedicated to limited edition and bespoke design, Downtown Editions, visitors could explore works from independent names, studios, and galleries worldwide, with highlights including the launch of new pieces from Fadi Saridienne Studio in Dubai, Apparatus presented by Collectional Gallery in Dubai, Arkivio from South Africa, alongside the coveted new brand Don Tanani from Egypt, and the unveiling of four projects from the annual Tanween program by Tashkeel’s group of designers.
Dubai Design Week took place from November 7 to 12 and was organized in strategic partnership with the Dubai Design District, a member of TECOM Group PJSC.
