Running out of exciting things to do over the weekend? Make your way to Dubai Design District for a mesmerizing journey into the world of art, creativity, and innovation. This weekend, Dubai Design District is hosting the 10th edition of Dubai Design Week, and as always, there’s a lot to be explored.
Scroll down to discover ten must-visit exhibits and installations.
THE MARKETPLACE
Populated with over 80 stalls from local creatives and F&B manufacturers, the street market at Dubai Design Week is the perfect place to discover new brands and innovative products.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART SHOWCASE
Experience the future of design at the Royal College of Art Showcase. The leading university of art and design is displaying more than 20 thought-provoking projects exploring themes of sustainability and innovation with AI.
‘REALITY CHECK’ BY KAPIL BHIMEKAR
As we navigate an increasingly virtual world, Indian artist Kapil Bhimekar urges audiences to pause and experience the joy of human connection with a mammoth inflatable installation made from recycled PVC.
URBAN HIVES BY NATHALIE HARB PRESENTED BY BMW.
Urban Hives by Nathalie Harb is a unique project dedicated to transforming public hard-surface areas like parking lots into community gardens. Commissioned by BMW, the Dubai Design Week installation is a hub for discussions and workshops.
ABWAB COMMISSION ‘OF PALM’ BY EMIRATI ARCHITECT ABDALLA ALMULLA
Abwab, meaning ‘doors’ in Arabic, is a distinctive feature at Dubai Design Week that commissions work from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, providing a platform for cultural exchange and showcasing creative talent. Every year, Abwab is thematically remodeled to reflect and respond to timely global and regional contexts. The 2023 commission,’ Of Palm’ by Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla, is inspired by the palm tree. It is a large-scale pavilion where visitors can shop for unique objects and food, all derived from this tree and its fruits.
TAKE UP ‘BIG CHALLENGE’ BY IRIS CERAMICA AND UAE MODERN
Challenge yourself to a game of ping-pong at the 12-meter-long ‘Big Challenge’ installation by Iris Ceramica and designed by UAE Modern. Made from porcelain stonewear, the elongated table allows several players to indulge in a game at the same time.
VISIT DOWNTOWN DESIGN
This year, Downtown Design is celebrating its 10th edition with a curated exhibit of over 300 designers from 41 countries. Downtown Design also features a special UAE Designer Exhibition, curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud under the theme of ‘For Future Living Spaces.’
TAKE PART IN WORKSHOPS
Dubai Design Week is also home to an array of fun workshops that can be enjoyed by attendees across all age groups. Ranging from printmaking, natural dyeing, and woodworking, these workshops are aimed at encouraging unconventional thinking, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
D3 ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RIBA
Titled ‘Sustainability – Past, Present & Future,’ visitors can explore the imaginative work of emerging architects and leading firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects.
‘PORTRAIT OF A LADY’ BY EDITIONS DE PARFUMS FRÉDÉRIC MALLE
Frédéric Malle proudly presents the works of three Middle Eastern female photographers interpreting one of his most iconic fragrances, ‘Portrait of a Lady.’ Visitors can also avail the opportunity to have their portraits taken.
