Dubai Design Week has become the number one design event in the Middle East and is growing more and more annually. This year the program is more diverse than all previous years. I strongly advise you to make use of the large number of interesting talks and workshops. If you can, try to visit the Louvre in Abu Dhabi which will be officially opening November 11, 2017.
As for Dubai Design Week, it is a diverse 6-day program of exhibitions, installations, talks, educational workshops and more which will allow visitors the opportunity to discover and engage with design. The free-to-attend program will serve as a rich introduction to the design scene in the UAE, and build on the many events and exhibitions happening throughout the week and beyond.
I will list below some of my favourite programs, to check out the rest of the list go to Dubai Design Week website.
Downtown Design
November 14 – 17 2017
Dubai Design District (d3)
In its fifth edition, the Fair will take place at the Dubai Design District and present a carefully edited roster of established and emerging brands across a range of product categories; including furniture, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, textiles and accessories. This is a great time to check out the latest collections for most brands.
ABWAB- EXHIBITION
14-17 November | 10am – 10pm
18 November | 10am – 7pm
Between buildings 4 & 6, Dubai Design District (d3)
The Abwab exhibition (Abwab means ‘doors’ in Arabic) is a highlight of Dubai Design Week as it is the only initiative of its kind to offer a snapshot of regional design talent from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
Abwab originally consisted of independent pavilions hosting six MENASA countries, but in 2017 the concept has evolved into a single pavilion in the heart of Dubai Design District (d3), exhibiting as many countries as possible. Over 250 designers were reached through an innovative peer-selection process; ‘designer dominos’ as a pay-it-forward mechanism to strengthen a community, whereby in order to be considered for selection, a designer is required to nominate the next designer to submit.
The final showcase of contemporary design works was chosen by an international editorial board for being strong representations of ideas or production techniques rooted in these regions. The Editorial Board was made up of Lateefa Bint Maktoum, Joy Mardini, Max Fraser and Rawan Kashkoush.
This year’s Abwab pavilion is an architectural investigation of locally sourced materials designed by Dubai-based multidisciplinary architectural firm Fahed + Architects. The ethos of the practice is to capture the spiritual essence of a place through architectural expressions.
Sir David Adjay in conversation with Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi
13 November | 7pm – 8pm
DXBDW Mainstage – Building 4, Dubai Design District (d3)
Sir David Adjaye is regarded as one of the world’s most influential architects and designers. Often challenged with high profile and dynamic briefs, the practice’s commitment to embracing the social agenda behind architecture, and providing access to knowledge through his buildings gives him a unique insight into the power of architecture to reflect and enhance ethical pride in both public and private spaces.
The conversation with Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi will begin by asking about the process in which Sir David approaches the projects he is commissioned to design; who does he communicate with beyond the client, what are his sources of inspiration on topics, how he approaches sites and the creative process of first imagining his buildings.
Tips for curtain design
14 November | 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Office 106A, Building 6, Dubai Design District (d3)
Topics include the benefits and cost implications of different curtain styles; choosing the right type of fabric; writing great specifications; information on fabric treatments including Fire Resistance, Stain Protection and UV Protection; energy saving solutions; when to use block out fabrics, and how to care for them.
How to dress your bed like an interior designer
14 November | 3.15pm – 4.30pm
Office 106A, Building 6, Dubai Design District (d3)
Professional linen company Linen Obsession gives inside tips on how to create a great looking bed with co-ordination and layering ideas. It also advises on what size pillows and duvets you really need to create the professional, interior designer look, and the basic items to add to your linen cupboard to make every bedlinen design look great.
Thread count, Egyptian cotton and sateen will be explained, and the secrets of what makes hotel linen look so great will be revealed.
Zaha Hadid Architects Open Gallery
13 – 18 November | 9am – 6pm
Office 503, Building 8, Dubai Design District (d3)
ZHA Office & Gallery continues the practice’s longstanding commitment to the region and hosts a programme of exhibitions and collaborations. The current exhibits include a display of 3D-printed models, as well as a timeline of ZHA projects, ranging from early paintings and competition entries to ongoing developments. Furniture pieces by ZHD as well as selected homeware items from the ZH Collection are also on display.
Architecture and Photography Workshop
Please contact Sharabassy for dates and times
Office 601B, Building 1, Dubai Design District (d3)
Learn how to create your own eye-catching photographs of the city’s built environment in this hands-on workshop with a professional architectural photographer. Open to all levels of experience. Digital SLR cameras or current iPhones / Android phones with high-quality cameras recommended.
Future Design Careers
17 November | 4pm – 5pm
Atrium, Building 4, Dubai Design District (d3)
The MENASA region will need 30,000 new design graduates by 2019. Sass Brown, DIDI’s Founding Dean, and Associate Dean Hani Asfour take to the main stage at Dubai Design Week to address aspiring students and their parents, discuss the diverse design career options and how best to prepare for the careers of the future.
Interior Design And Virtual Reality Workshop
Please contact Sharabassy for dates and times
Office 601B, Building 1, Dubai Design District (d3)
A workshop that aims to plant the roots and basics of Interior / spatial design, and understanding the relation between space and activity, as well as, boost the ability to criticize space and enhance its quality to suite the hosted function. Attendants will be introduced to 3d digital modelling software – SketchUp – to help them visualize, render and manipulate their designs.
Islamic Pattern Design Workshops
13 – 18 November | Various timings
Ground Floor, Building 3, Dubai Design District (d3)
Using only a compass and straight edge, this workshop teaches you how to create classic Islamic designs of profound beauty and subtle complexities. The workshop; brought to you by Bayt Al Qindeel; is led by UK based and highly experienced master tutors, Richard Henry and Adam Williamson.
Adult workshops available:
Geometry of a Moorish pattern
Geometry of a Persian Pattern
Bimorphic Moorish pattern
Bimorphic Persian pattern
Plaster carving and art
Children’s workshops available:
Fun with geometry
For more details contact: info@baytalqindeel.com or call 00971506125681
How Fashion Influences Design
16 November | 2 – 3pm
The Forum at Downtown Design, d3 waterfront, Dubai Design District (d3)
Free to attend- Pre-register HERE for entry
As fashion forward trends are rapidly transforming from the runways into interior design showrooms, it appears that society is now demanding to furnish their homes the way they would dress themselves. From patterns to materials, colours and geometric shapes; noted fashion designer, Tarun Tahiliani, and Editor-in-Chief of AD Middle East, Talib Choudhry; explore the extent of the influence of fashion on the design industry.
I highly recommend you visit their website to plan your visits during the design week.