Dubai Design Week 2023
Launched in 2015, Dubai Design Week returns with a stronger programme involving the local, regional and international design scene like never before. The 2023 line up offers the most diverse programme of events and activities, including exhibitions, new commissions, pop-ups, talks, workshops, as well as other innovative design projects and experiences.
From November 7th until 12th, Dubai Design Week aims to attract more than 150,000 visitors to Dubai Design District (d3)’s global creative hub, including architects, designers, thought leaders, influencers and public audiences from the region and around the world, further cementing Dubai’s position as the design and creative capital of the Middle East and a UNESCO City of Design.
The trade show Downtown Design will also celebrate its 10th edition with the largest display of original design brands and design editions.
Installations
A key feature of this year’s programme will be large-scale outdoor installations with a focus on how design, science and technology can converge to reclaim materials of our past, as well as reimagine new forms that foster sustainable practices with immersive public interventions made from materials such as palm leaves, loofah, sugar and paper pulp, with 3-D printed architecture at the forefront. Staged throughout d3, Design Week will feature over 20 outdoor installations and projects.
FabPub, a joint venture between Mamou-Mani Architects and Therme Group will showcase The Altostrata, a 3-D-printed architectural pavilion made from biodegradable sugar-based PLA; and eco-cooling walls made entirely from loofah and a paper pulp modular system, as well as other interactive interventions.
Architects Wael Al Awar and Kazuma Yamao, of waiwai, will present Urban Hadeera, a prototype of a traditional structural shelter, using sustainable cement alternatives developed through their award-winning research project Wetland Lab.
Of Palm by Abdalla Almulla
ABWAB
Returning to this year’s programme, Abwab is an annually remodelled feature acting as a platform for regional design talent from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
The festival’s 2023 headline commission has been awarded to Emirati architect and founder of MULA design studio, Abdalla Almulla.
Almulla will create an architectural pavilion centred around sustainability and materiality, which will include a roster of interventions and performances.
‘Designest’ by Ahmad Alkattan
Urban Commissions
Dubai Design Week’s design competition, Urban Commissions, also returns this year inviting designers and architects to propose innovative outdoor furniture in the public domain, adhering to a responsible design approach. ‘Designest’ by Ahmad Alkattan, the winning design, which will be premiered in d3.
The Urban Commissions winner has been selected by a jury panel consisting of experts in the design field: Ahmad Bukhash, Robert Shakespeare and myself.
Exhibitions & Pop Ups
Throughout the week, a series of exhibitions will showcase the latest in design from the region and beyond, including:
the annual UAE Designer Exhibition (above), curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud and supported by Dubai Culture, which will once again highlight work from new and emerging UAE-based designers;
100/100 Best Arabic Poster, supported by 421, will present posters from the region that aim to document the Arab world’s visual culture;
The Royal College of Art from London, will feature projects that explore sustainability, design and emerging technologies linked to themes including textiles, healthcare, infrastructure and the rehabilitation of environments…
Talks, Workshops, Masterclasses & The Marketplace
A line-up of talks, workshops and masterclasses throughout the week will provide visitors of all ages a level of design know-how with a series of hands-on activities. This will be an opportunity to experience and learn from a range of practitioners – from professors of world-renowned institutions to expert facilitators and craftsmen.
The Marketplace (11-12 November) is a consciously curated outdoor shopping experience enabling visitors to discover the very best of the city’s creatives, artisans and small businesses, from handcrafted unique goods and sustainably sourced products to a wide range of delicious food and children’s activities. Located in the heart of d3, The Marketplace is a must-visit destination for all the family.
Downtown Design
Located at the d3 Waterfront Terrace (8-11 November 2023), the acclaimed Middle East’s leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design will showcase the latest collections, innovative products, and design solutions, complemented by a line-up of creative concepts and installations, experiences, and industry events. It's the ultimate destination for those seeking the latest trends in interior design, furniture, lighting and home accessories.
The Forum
Staged in the heart of the fair, The Forum hosts panel discussions, keynotes and masterclasses featuring regional and international thought-leaders, promoting interaction and dialogue. key speakers of the 2023 programme include Lidewij Edelkoort, Ross Lovegrove, david/nicolas, Massimo Adario who will join The Forum for the first time and share her insights into her work in promoting sustainability and encouraging ethical practices in the design industry.
Dubai Design Week is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council, in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture.
hero picture: Deskscape_Lamp by ALEEYA. design studio x alittlemore studio
