Dubai Design Week 2024’s Milestone Edition Brings Together Over 500 Designers, Showcasing Impactful Installations and Forward-thinking Design Focusing on Functionality and Sustainability.
Dubai Design Week, the Middle East’s largest creative festival, returns from November 5 to 10, 2024, at Dubai Design District (d3). Celebrating its 10th edition, the Festival showcases the best in regional and international design. This year’s theme focuses on sustainability and the power of design to shape a better future. Expect a packed schedule of installations, workshops, exhibitions, and insightful talks. Highlights include Downtown Design, the region’s leading contemporary design fair, and the debut of Editions, the first limited-edition art and design fair in the Middle East.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Building on last year’s success, Dubai Design Week 2024 aims to raise the bar even higher. The 2023 edition drew over 100,000 visitors, with over 200 events showcasing the talent of more than 500 global designers.
Downtown Design Fair
A cornerstone of the Festival, the Downtown Design Fair runs from November 6 to 9 at the d3 Waterfront Terrace. This premier event features the latest in contemporary design, including furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Notable participants include Audo Copenhagen, presented by The Bowery Company, and the iconic Conran Shop, launching online in the UAE during the fair. Casa Milano returns with an immersive bathroom showcase.
Editions Art & Design Fair
Making its debut, Editions is the Middle East’s first limited-edition art and design fair. From November 6 to 9, over 50 galleries, design studios, and collectives will present contemporary design, photography, prints, ceramics, and works on paper. This fair offers a unique opportunity for both seasoned and aspiring collectors to acquire exclusive pieces.
The Warp Pavilion
Designed by Mitsubishi Jisho Design Inc., The Warp Pavilion showcases a fusion of ancient Japanese carpentry and modern 3D-printing technology. You can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies conducted by a tea master and participate in workshops on 3D printing. The pavilion’s construction utilizes 900 uniquely shaped 3D-printed panels made from sawdust-based filament, connected using traditional joinery techniques.
UAE Designer Exhibition 5.0
This exhibition spotlights over 30 emerging talents from the UAE. The theme focuses on redefining comfort and functionality, exploring form, ergonomics, and multifunctionality. Each piece aims to enhance living spaces and elevate user experience, fostering dialogue among designers and the public.
Veuve Clicquot’s SUN CLUB Lounge
In collaboration with Studio Marcel Poulain, Veuve Clicquot presents the SUN CLUB Lounge at Downtown Design. Inspired by the French Riviera, this creative pop-up brings a sun-soaked terrace experience. You will enjoy a curated food pairing menu featuring vibrant notes of exotic and orchard fruits, complemented by the brand’s signature champagne.
Workshops and Masterclasses
The Maker Space, built by Kidzink, offers a diverse range of workshops and masterclasses suitable for all ages and skill levels. Participants can engage in activities such as Arabian Moringa seed planting, clothing upcycling, crochet, and henna art. These sessions aim to inspire and elevate skills across all design disciplines.
Marketplace
The Marketplace will highlight over 75 unique brands, showcasing high-quality, original products crafted by the region’s top artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. You can shop for sustainable fashion, handmade jewelry, and home decor. The Marketplace will also include more than 15 local food vendors, offering a variety of culinary delights.
Abwab Pavilion
Meaning ‘doors’ in Arabic, Abwab is a program that supports designers from the South West Asian and North African (SWANA) region. This year’s theme focuses on vernacular architecture and how community-centric methods can intersect with new environments. Over 30 projects will explore ancient technologies, innovation, and materials, offering a unique insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
Urban Commissions Competition
The annual Urban Commissions competition invites designers and architects to develop outdoor furniture for public spaces. This year’s theme, ‘Tawila’ (meaning ‘table’ in Arabic), encourages participants to think creatively. Specifically, it asks them to explore the table as a facilitator of exchange, tradition, and communal experiences. The winning design, TukTukDum by Altqadum, draws inspiration from the Gulf region’s rich musical culture. In fact, it invites audiences to become performers themselves, adding an interactive and engaging element to the experience.
The Forum
The Forum at Downtown Design will host leading international and regional experts in the design industry. Here, they’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations. Moreover, renowned figures such as India Mahdavi, Eames Demetrios, and Lina Ghotmeh will share valuable insights. Expect to hear about multicultural design, the fusion of identities in contemporary spaces, and forward-thinking approaches to sustainable architecture.
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