On the hunt for some artsy design pieces? Dubai Design Week is all set to inspire you this November
The Middle East’s leading design fair – Dubai Design Week – is gearing up to make its annual return for a week and design enthusiasts across the region are absolutely stoked. The annual fair hosts a distinct array of artists hailing from all across the globe and also sheds light on some regional artists.
Supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the fair will span across a period of seven days and will feature everything to do with art. From exhibitions to workshops and activations – this is something you don’t want to miss out on.
Here’s all you need to know about the artistic fair before you register.
How did Dubai Design Week come to be?
Under the vision and patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Design Week made its humble beginnings in 2015 as a small-scale festival that celebrated the arts and those behind the pieces. Marking season 12 this November, the fair has come to be one of the largest design events in the region – championing artists and curators all whilst inspiring those looking to get into the arts space.
It isn’t just a space that highlights the artistically inclined but rather grew to become a movement that serves as a global cross-cultural exchange. Many prominent figures in the field have made their appearance here, including French interior architect Tristan Auer, British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, Emirati architect Rasha Saffarini and more.
How has Dubai Design Week contributed to the regions growing art and design culture?
Evolving into something of a major economic and cultural movement for the emirate, Dubai Design Week has secured its global status and UNESCO title of being the first Middle Eastern city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, placing it alongside some of the most artistic forward countries like London, Milan, and Paris. So yes, it is considered a big deal because it actively plays a role in rewriting the rules of design, pushing boundaries and constantly testing out new innovations.
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Want to be a part of this edition of Dubai Design Week?
For season 12 you can expect a variety of installations that centre around communal spaces and human connection, a pop-up Maker Space hosting hands-on workshops for all ages, live keynotes and panel discussions, and a weekend Marketplace spotlighting local artisanal crafts and fashion.
While the main venue itself is free for all to visit, the Downtown Design fair is priced at Dhs80 per person.
Perched right across the waterfront terrace, the Downtown Design is a more premier fair dedicated to luxury contemporary design that acts as a launchpad for emerging talents, features some great international brands such as Buccellati (spoiler alert), features upscale home brands like B&B Italia and Gaggenau and features the 1980s design movement that celebrates Memphis Milano.
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