Expo 2020 Dubai has launched the MENASA – Emirati Design Platform, as a part of its Design and Crafts program. More than 40 local and international designers will participate in the exhibition with their works showcased in a curated collection at the anticipated event, which runs from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022.

“The collective approach of MENASA, which means ‘platform’ in Arabic, is inspired by the theme and spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’,” Dr Hayat Shamsuddin, Senior Vice President of Arts and Culture at Expo 2020 Dubai, said in a release. “By bringing together artisans and designers from the UAE and around the world, we’re nurturing a rich cultural and creative dialogue that will contribute to a meaningful legacy after Expo 2020 closes its doors.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkAOPCjZCa/

The program will feature seven design collaborations between creatives in its Craft Stories section. Designers and artisans from 11 countries, such as Spain, Lebanon, Brazil and India, will explore Emirati crafts and traditions with a contemporary twist to showcase them in a new light.  The platform will also include a ‘Designer of the Week’ showcase, which will spotlight 24 artists and concepts from the UAE.

At the helm of the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Design and Crafts Program is Samer Yamani, founder of Barcelona-based Creative Dialogue, who has also curated the MENASA platform with the aim of presenting Emirati cultural traditions and how they take root in natural materials and local techniques.

On the UAE front, the platform has collaborated with Alia Bin Omair, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, Bil Arabi, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, Ammar Kalo, Khalid Shafar, and Tashkeel. Also participating are international brands, including BD Barcelona Design from Spain, Iwan Maktabi and Nicolas Jebran from Lebanon, India’s Klove Studio, and Estudio Campana from Brazil.

For more information, visit Expo2020dubai.com