Dubai Design Week 2020
After Helsinki, Mexico City, Dubai joins the cities hosting a physical and online Design Week. The sixth edition of Dubai Design Week will also mark the first major cultural event in the region since the pandemic.
Dubai Design Week will offer a diverse line-up of 100+ events and activities for visitors of all ages to explore including exhibitions, pop-ups and outdoor installations at Dubai Design District (d3) alongside new virtual elements including online exhibitions and a series of talks.
“A testament of the resilience and the strength of the creative industry in Dubai, which managed to thrive and adapt, launch new initiatives and impactful projects throughout this challenging time, Dubai Design Week is one of the first cultural events to return in its physical format since the beginning of the pandemic. The event presents a great opportunity to share experiences and establish cross-cultural disciplinary collaborations by building meaningful connections between creative professionals, entrepreneurs, embassies, consulates and institutions. We are pleased to see the impact of the event in expanding the contributions of the creative sector both locally regionally and globally.” said Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said about Dubai Design Week.
Physical Programme at d3
Marketplace
a large scale outdoor retail initiative bringing together the best of Dubai’s artisans and creatives, supported by Dubai Culture, who have offered grants for small businesses to take part. Read more here.
MENA Grad Show
With 50 of the most exciting projects from the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on solutions to improve and transform lives. Read more here.
ABWAB Commission
‘Fata Morgana’ by Iraqi designer Hozan Zangana responding to Dubai Design Week’s theme of redefining and reimagining the way we live in an urban environment.
The Shape of Things to Come
a conceptual design exhibition featuring exploratory projects by a diverse group of Middle East based architects, spotlighting progressive design thinking emerging from the region. Read more here.
Dubai Design Week will give centre stage to cultural and region-focused showcases shedding light on the local community and its creative scene, including the UAE Designer Exhibition presenting works of 20 locally based creatives and the d3 Architecture Festival 2020 featuring regional projects of 40 RIBA-chartered architectural practices alongside multi-disciplinary exhibitions and initiatives by international organisations, councils and institutions.
An extensive line-up of 25 outdoor installations will be staged throughout Dubai Design District (d3), including; the winning concept for Urban Commissions 2020, supported by A.R.M. Holding, awarded to Emirati and Saudi architects Reema Almheiri and Lujain Alatiq, will be unveiled at Dubai Design Week Marketplace and the technology-led experience ‘Points in Common’ (here above) by Montreal-based Studio Iregular, will allow visitors to control and interact with a digital experience onsite together, yet apart.
The Makers’ Programme will offer a range of hands-on activities catering to all ages and levels of experience from leather crafting and embroidery to robotics and laser-cutting, giving participants a chance to explore innovative methods, techniques and an array of materials, from thread to wood.
At Re: Urban Studio, professionals and academics in the field of design will be able to participate in masterclasses aimed to elevate practical and vocational skills of SMEs, self-employed and aspiring creatives.
The weekend programme will offer activities for all the family and children of all skill levels from the ages of 5+ can get creative with clay and join the potter’s wheel experience, learn the power of natural plant dyes and traditional weaving techniques, build their own architectural tower with Oli Oli, hone their photography skills with Gulf Photo Plus on a design walk or try out Ghaf seed planting.
All the activities will be conducted by independent designers, creatives and small businesses in the UAE and will adhere to strict COVID regulations, sanitisation and social distancing protocols.
Virtual Programme
Downtown Design
Downtown Design will offer architects, interior designers and enthusiasts the opportunity to reconnect with the thriving contemporary design scene digitally. Featuring the latest collections and products from leading international and regional brands, the new Downtown Design Digital Fair will offer inspiration and insight to navigate the new design landscape.
Global Grad Show
Global Grad Show, the world’s most diverse programme for graduates working on social impact innovation will be online this year. 1,600+ applications received from 270 universities in 60 countries. Entries, up 30% on the previous year. The 2020 exhibition will be the most diverse Global Grad Show to date.
The Dubai Design Week’s talks programme also goes digital this year, hosting experts demonstrating leadership in their field to discuss subjects shedding light on the alternative emerging structures and solutions that creatives can adopt to navigate new realities that are reshaping societies, economies and communities globally.
Dubai Design Week is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and staged in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District, Dubai Culture and A.R.M. Holding.
