Dubai Design Week is back with a diverse new program that has brought together regional and international creatives and entrepreneurs. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and member of Dubai Council, the event features an extensive virtual program, and over 100 activities, including physical exhibitions, pop-ups, and outdoor installations.

Among the highlights of the event is the ‘Basta’ project by the Urban Commissions 2020 winning duo, Emirati designer Reema Almheiri and Saudi-designer Lujain Alatiq. Created as an innovative and modular retail unit, ‘Basta’ drives inspiration from traditional communal markets and boasts a unique, functional design.

Also on view are the bench installations by coveted Emirati designers Aljoud Lootah, Khalid Shafar and Hamad Khoory, created as part of American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)’s ‘Please Sit Here’ initiative. The idea was to create convertible public seating solutions that would address existing social distancing requisites and post-pandemic norms.

What’s more? The Abwab pavilions and the new large-scale outdoor retail initiative called The Dubai Design Week Marketplace, which has brought together the best of Dubai’s artisans, creatives and entrepreneurs.  There’s also the MENA Grad Show, which will see 50 of the most exciting projects from the Middle East and North Africa focus on solutions to improve and transform lives.

Downtown Design has also returned with a full-fledged virtual program, offering architects, interior designers and enthusiasts the opportunity to reconnect with the contemporary design scene digitally. Dubai Design Week is the region’s first major cultural event since the beginning of the pandemic and will go on till 14 November in Dubai Design District.

Follow Dubai Design Week on Instagram. Images via @D3dubai.