Dubai Design Week launches its 11th edition today bringing together more than 1,000 designers, architects and creative practitioners from over 50 countries. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and presented in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture, the 2025 edition features a dynamic programme of commissions, exhibitions, installations, talks and live events.
Taking place across d3, Dubai Design Week is a catalyst for cross-cultural exchange, spotlighting diverse practices from the region and beyond while connecting them to global audiences.
Its multidisciplinary program spans disciplines including architecture, interiors, furniture, product, graphic and experiential design, acting as a platform for dialogue, experimentation and progress. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s cultural landscape, it continues to reflect the city’s growing role as a global meeting point for creativity and ideas.
“Dubai Design District is filled with unmatched creative energy, dialogue and ideas this week,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. “Dubai Design Week offers creatives, brands, and visitors from all over the world unique ways to engage with the ever-evolving design industry and discover new talents and ideas. d3’s strategic partnership with Dubai Design Week is part of our ongoing endeavor to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global cultural and creative hub, in line with the ‘Design Sector Strategy 2033’. We are especially proud that this year sees the unveiling of the winner of the first-ever d3 Awards and organizing the fifth edition of d3 Architecture Exhibition, in collaboration with the RIBA’s Gulf Chapter.”
Natasha Carella, Director for Dubai Design Week, commented: “This year’s edition strongly reflects the aim to platform culturally rooted work while fostering cross-cultural exchange on a global level. The curatorial direction builds on a more reflective and human-centred approach that we have been nurturing in recent years, championing collaborations that transcend borders and disciplines, exploring design not only as a practice of innovation but also as a social connector, a civic and cultural force that shapes how we live together, communicate and build systems of care. In that sense, Dubai Design Week is less about defining a trend and more about reaffirming design’s role as a shared language that can imagine and shape more inclusive and interconnected futures.”
Downtown Design, the anchor event of the week and the region’s leading fair for high-quality and contemporary design, returns to the d3 Waterfront Terrace showcasing the latest collections, innovative products and design solutions, complemented by a programme of pop-up concepts, regional spotlights, talks and panel discussions.
Returning exhibitors include Huda Lighting, Kartell, Kohler, Poltrona Frau, Obegi Home, Venini and alongside new participants Roche Bobois, Stellar Works and Calico Wallpaper, Porada, Desalto as well as French designer Stéphanie Coutas, and designer-duo Draga & Aurel, presented by Collectional. Regional highlights include BEIT Collective’s objects crafted in Lebanon, the debut of ‘Strata’ by Pakistani designer Yousaf Shabaz, the ‘Designed in Saudi’ showcase by the Design & Architecture Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, Sharjah-based 1971 Design Space’s showcase of material innovation designers Lina Ghalib and Nuhayr Zein, this year’s cohort of the annual Tanween Design Program by Tashkeel, and the Athath Fellowship by MAKE in Abu Dhabi, debuting at the fair this year.
The UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, expands its curatorial vision to focus on mentorship opportunities and increased visibility for emerging UAE-based designers, and Nada Debs features as the headline mentor, providing direct insights to the early-career participants.
The fair’s immersive environments feature the Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot, an elegant social space for networking and relaxation, and an exclusive lounge from Buccellati designed by david/nicolas, is a refined exploration of craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The Forum at Downtown Design features global and regional thought leaders. Tom Dixon makes his Dubai-debut with a keynote on material innovation and design evolution, joined by Marcel Wanders, Lee Broom, David Hicks, and regional leaders like Rabah Saeid, Pallavi Dean, and Omar al Gurg.
A highlight of the fair, Editions Art & Design showcases limited-edition art and design from regional and international creators, spanning photography, ceramics, prints and editions, works on paper, contemporary design, and artist multiples.
Editions spotlights the intersection of contemporary design and collecting through a diverse mix of regional and international talent. Highlights include Bureau of Innovation’s global launch of collectible furniture from designers like Corpus Studio, Tim Vranken, and Tom Fereday; Latina Dsgn’s refined presentation of Latin American craftsmanship; and Lebanese-French architect Badih Ghanem’s regional debut, Remember Love?, an installation where raw construction blocks meet polished metallic objects.
From the region, Asateer reinterprets Emirati heritage for modern living, AASSTTIINN presents sculptural works by Iranian designers, and Wadi Finan Art Gallery brings acclaimed textile and paper works from across the Arab world. Activations during the event include Swiss artist Tobias Gutmann’s Sai Bot, an AI twin creating live algorithmic portraits of visitors; Maseer Collective’s Arabic Sign Language jewellery and workshops marking the UAE’s Year of Community; and the Art Jameel Shop’s curated selection of artist-made prints and design objects.
