Dubai Design Week 2025

Details

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 programme spans disciplines - 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.

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. The fair is 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, and Venini, alongside new participants Roche Bobois, Stellar Works, Calico Wallpaper, Porada, Desalto, as well as French designer Stéphanie Coutas and designer duo Draga & Aurel, presented by Collectional.

The UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, expands its curatorial vision this year to focus on mentorship opportunities and increased visibility for emerging UAE-based designers. Nada Debs features as the headline mentor, offering direct insights and guidance to early-career participants.

The fair’s immersive environments include the Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot—an elegant social space for networking and relaxation—and an exclusive lounge from Buccellati, designed by david/nicolas, presenting a refined exploration of craftsmanship and contemporary design.

The Forum at Downtown Design brings together global and regional thought leaders. Tom Dixon makes his Dubai debut, joined by Marcel Wanders, Lee Broom, David Hicks, and regional voices such as Rabah Saeid, Pallavi Dean, and Omar Al Gurg.

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.

Special Commissions: Abwab
Abwab, Dubai Design Week’s highlight programme, supports designers from across West, South, and East Asia, as well as the African continent, by commissioning installations or pavilions each year. The 2025 theme, In the Details, explores Ornamentalism as an aesthetic language of meaning, symbolism, and embedded knowledge—one that has influenced architecture, objects, and textiles across cultures.

Inaugural Edition of the d3 Awards
The new d3 Awards aims to champion emerging talent from the Middle East and North Africa region. The winning designer, Ohireme Uanzekin, receives a financial prize of AED 100,000, an online mentorship session with a jury member or an industry expert relevant to their field, and a custom-designed award created by Fahed + Architects, a d3-based multidisciplinary boutique architectural practice.

Workshops and Masterclasses
Dubai Design Week features expert-led workshops and masterclasses throughout the six-day festival. Hosted in Makers Space, made by Mart®, the programme is designed to inspire and elevate skills across design disciplines, welcoming professionals and aspiring creatives of all ages, interests, and experience levels. Sessions are conducted by professors from leading institutions, as well as UAE-based, regional, and international creatives and cultural organisations.