Dubai Design Week returns to D3 this November 5th, celebrating 10 years
Dubai Design Week 2024 returns this November 5-10, transforming Dubai Design District (d3) into a dynamic hub for creativity, culture, and collaboration.
Celebrating its 10th year, the festival promises an impressive lineup of over 150 events—from inspiring talks and hands-on workshops to musical performances and interactive installations—all held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in partnership with Dubai Culture and TECOM Group’s d3. This year, 500+ designers, architects, and brands from 40+ countries are set to showcase the best of international and regional design.
For those ready to dive into the experience, highlights include the return of Downtown Design, featuring global talent from November 6-9, and the debut of Editions, the region’s first fair for limited-edition art and design. The week also features a special Omani musical troupe performance, a thought-provoking talk with Karim Rashid, masterclasses like Material Meets Tech by the UAE National Pavilion, and photography discussions led by Editions. Hands-on experiences include Nada Almosa’s mixed-media workshop with archival photos and the Born Creative children's workshop. Live demonstrations, from tea ceremonies to hand-painting and shellac techniques, enrich the lineup, while The Marketplace showcases 75+ artisans and homegrown brands.
ON URBAN COMMISSIONS
Urban Commissions, Dubai Design Week’s annual competition, offers architects and designers the chance to create outdoor public furniture with a focus on resilience and responsibility. This year’s theme, Tawila—Arabic for "table"—reflects the table as a timeless symbol of human connection, a gathering place where creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange come alive.
The 2024 winning project is TukTuKDum, crafted by Oman’s Altqadum, a research-driven design studio led by Marwan Albalushi, Najd Albalushi, and Abdulrahim Alkendi. Known for iconic works like Muscat’s Bab Al Salam Mosque, named one of Time’s “World’s Greatest Places 2024,” Altqadum drew inspiration from the Gulf’s musical traditions, where communities gather around musicians, blending rhythm and space. TukTuKDum is more than a table; it invites interaction, encouraging visitors to engage, perform, and become an essential part of the communal experience.
ON DOWNTOWN DESIGN
Downtown Design is where the pulse of the Middle East’s design scene beats strongest. As the anchor event of Dubai Design Week, it’s more than a fair—it’s a convergence point for the region’s creative spirit, drawing together a global mix of established and emerging voices in contemporary design. Each November, Downtown Design transforms Dubai Design District (d3) into an arena of innovation, showcasing collections from international brands, studios, and rising regional talents, with dedicated sections for high-quality, limited-edition, and bespoke pieces.
Owned by the Art Dubai Group and in partnership with d3 and Dubai Culture, Downtown Design is crafted for impact. The fair emphasizes commercial potential, giving brands a stage to amplify their visibility in a market rich with opportunity. Beyond the exhibition floors, the experience extends into pop-up installations, curated talks, masterclasses, and networking events that bring together A&ID professionals, media, homeowners, and design enthusiasts—all seeking to discover, connect, and be inspired. Mark your calendar for November 6-9, 2024, as Downtown Design once again ignites the region's design future.
To explore the free-to-attend program and curate your visit, download the Dubai Design Week app. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this celebration of design and culture, pushing the boundaries of creativity in the region. More info on DubaiDesignWeek.ae
