From November 6th to 9th, the highly anticipated Dubai Design Week returns to the city, bringing together the best of global and regional talent under one roof.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheika Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this year’s edition promises to set a new benchmark in the world of contemporary design. As the largest design fair in the Middle East, Downtown Design (the anchoring event of the week) is primed to showcase cutting-edge innovation, artistry and craftsmanship on a global stage.
International heavyweights such as Audo Copenhagen, B&B Italia, Kartell, and Poltrona Frau will be making waves alongside the region’s brightest rising stars, including Tashkeel’s Tanween Design Programme and the BEIT Collective. In a testament to the creative cross-pollination at the heart of Dubai Design Week, Ross Lovegrove, the globally renowned designer, will also bring his unique vision to the event.
This year sees the debut of Editions, Dubai the region’s first-ever limited-edition art and design fair, running concurrently with Downtown Design. Featuring over 50 galleries, design studios, and collectives, Editions, Dubai opens the door to a curated selection of contemporary pieces — think photography, ceramics, and prints — that blend functionality with artistic flair. It’s a golden opportunity to see works that are, quite literally, one of a kind.
The UAE Designer Exhibition 5.0 takes a bold approach, with 30 designers diving deep into the theme of “comfort and function.” Guided by guest curator Omar Al Gurg, this year’s exhibition promises objects that go beyond aesthetic appeal, tapping into emotional resonance. It’s a chance to slow down and rediscover the joy in functional beauty—because who doesn’t love a chair that feels like a warm hug?
Adding a touch of whimsy, Dutch artist Linda Nieuwstad will unveil a massive floral installation made from everyday recycled materials. It’s not every day one encounters blooms crafted from old blankets and construction sheeting, but that’s exactly the kind of creative brilliance that makes Downtown Design stand out.
The Conran Shop will make its much-anticipated UAE debut at Downtown Design, alongside the sleek and vibrant Sun Club Lounge, designed by Marcel Poulain and exuding pure La Dolce Vita vibes. Meanwhile, de Gournay will stage a breathtaking pop-up lounge featuring its iconic hand-painted wallpapers — a space sure to stop any design lover in their tracks.
Italian artist Jacopo Foggini is set to mesmerise with his larger-than-life polycarbonate works, while Hands Carpets is launching its first collaboration with industrial designer Nika Zupanc, turning rugs into works of art. Preciosa’s return with its immersive pixel concept promises to be a showstopper, creating an experience that merges the physical and digital worlds.
In a nod to the future, Cosentino teams up with Babnimnim Design Studio from Kuwait to present an avant-garde installation made entirely from seamless, monolithic tile walls. Meanwhile, Isola Design returns with the theme “This Future is Currently Unavailable,” inviting reflections on the role of design in shaping tomorrow’s world.
Representing a wide swath of creative excellence, the Italian Trade Agency brings over 40 brands to Downtown Design, showcasing Italy’s mastery of craftsmanship and innovation. The Dutch Collective returns for its second year, shining a spotlight on the Netherlands’ distinctive design ethos, while Designed in Saudi features nine studios that highlight the Kingdom’s creative talent, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global design scene.
On the thought leadership front, this year’s Forum will be nothing short of groundbreaking. With a minimalist, Japanese-inspired space designed by Beirut-born Thomas Trad, the Forum will host a series of talks, keynotes, and masterclasses by some of the most respected voices in the industry. The star of the show? India Mahdavi is the Iranian-French architect and designer known for her playful, multicultural approach to interiors. Mahdavi’s keynote on the fusion of identities in contemporary design is sure to inspire.
Joining her are industry icons like Eames Demetrios and Lina Ghotmeh, both ready to tackle big questions and inspire fresh thinking. The Forum has become the go-to space for industry professionals to discuss new trends and ideas, and this year promises to be no different—perhaps even more visionary than ever before.
More than just a fair, Downtown Design 2024 is where creativity, culture, and commerce come together. The fair serves as a crucial bridge between international design heavyweights and emerging talent from the region, fostering meaningful connections and sparking new collaborations. As Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, emphasises, “Connectivity is at the heart of everything,” a sentiment that resonates throughout the fair’s carefully curated installations, pop-ups, and networking events.
With an event as dynamic as this, the possibilities are endless, and the conversations that unfold will likely shape the future of design across the Middle East — and beyond.
Whether it’s large-scale installations, innovative products, or insightful discussions, Downtown Design 2024 promises to deliver a whirlwind of creative energy, leaving an indelible mark on the design landscape.
For more information, visit dubaidesignweek.ae.
