Dubai Design Week has returned to Dubai Design District (d3) for its 12th edition, bringing a clear sense of purpose to the festival. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the event gathers participants from over 50 countries to celebrate design as a powerful tool for supporting human connection. With an ambitious program spanning architecture, craft, and technology, the festival offers a timely message in an uncertain world, blurring the lines between disciplines through exhibitions, talks, installations, and workshops.
A hub for global design
Downtown Design remains the centerpiece, featuring international exhibitors like Maison Pouenat, Gaggenau, and Kohler. BMW Middle East returns as the automotive sponsor with an exclusive activation commissioned specifically for the festival. This year’s lineup bridges the UAE’s creative scene with the global design community, showcasing a strong roster of speakers and exhibitors.
Notable changes mark this edition. Abwab’s commissioning program has shifted from individual pavilions to a group exhibition, ‘In Other Words,’ which looks into the visual language of signs, symbols, and interfaces. It traces their evolution and reinvention throughout history. Meanwhile, Urban Commissions focuses on ‘Atmospheres,’ exploring how spaces evoke emotional resonance beyond their physical appearance.
Standout installations
‘InBetween What Was and What Will Be’ by ae studio transforms demolition waste into a temporary structure, posing the question: what can grow from what remains? The installation invites visitors to pause and gather, symbolizing rebuilding through shared presence. NAO Architects’ ‘Three Gardens and a Room,’ winner of this year’s Urban Commission, reimagines gardens as spatial experiences. Designed by Lebanese-Emirati architect Reem Nassour, it arranges three gardens around a central shared space, creating distinct environments for connection.
Buccellati’s ‘Aquae Mirabiles’ presents its Caviar collection in a theatrical nymphaeum setting, curated by Federica Sala and designed in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall. The avant-garde tablescape embodies opulence and drama, showcasing the brand’s signature style. Yinka Ilori’s ‘Chasing the Sun’ for Veuve Clicquot transforms the lounge into a lively space filled with bold colors and patterns, radiating joy and celebrating hospitality.
For families, ALTER’s ‘Playing Field’ reimagines Ludo as a life-size game using recycled materials, encouraging interaction and community engagement. The installation, built from quarry and construction waste, offers a playful take on circularity and connection.
