Dubai Design Week returns for its 10th edition from November 5-10 2024, bringing together over 500 designers and brands from 40+ countries to celebrate creativity. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, this event reinforces Dubai’s reputation as the design capital of the Middle East and a global innovation hub.
Teahouse made from food waste, Dubai Design Week 2023 | Source: lovethatdesign
Teahouse made from food waste, Dubai Design Week 2023 | Source: lovethatdesign
Director of Dubai Design Week, Natasha Carella expressed excitement about fostering global designers to collaborate with positive affirmation. This year’s events emphasize sustainable practices and vernacular architecture in response to modern challenges.
The event will also feature a range of new commissions and displays, including 30 large-scale installations by international architects, designers, and studios, blending ancient techniques with modern innovations.
Key Programming at Dubai Design Week
Urban Commissions
Held annually, the Urban Commissions competition offers architects and designers an opportunity to create outdoor furniture that emphasizes responsible and resilient design. This year’s theme, “Tawila,” meaning “Table” in Arabic, symbolizes human interaction, fostering connections and idea exchange beyond mere functionality.
The winner, Altqadum | Source: reem_falaknaz
The winner, Altqadum, a research-based design studio from Oman, drew inspiration from the Gulf’s musical culture. Their innovative design, TukTuKDum, encourages interaction, inviting audiences to engage with each other and become part of the performance around the table.
TukTukDum by Altqadum | Source: stirpad
Downtown Design
Downtown Design, the Middle East’s leading design fair and anchor event of Dubai Design Week, showcases established and emerging talent in contemporary design. This year, highlights include the launch of The Conran Shop in the UAE, handcrafted works by Jacopo Foggini, and Hands Carpets’ debut collection with Nika Zupanc.
Immersive Installation by Linda Nieuwstad | Source: reem_falaknaz
Highlights of the 2024 fair include a large floral installation by Dutch artist Linda Nieuwstad, created from recycled materials.
A key addition is the inaugural Editions Art & Design, featuring over 50 galleries and design studios, presenting limited-edition art and design pieces. With a focus on brand visibility and audience engagement, Downtown Design runs from November 6-9, 2024, supported by Dubai Culture and Art Dubai Group.
Abwab
Abwab, meaning “doors” in Arabic, is a Dubai Design Week program supporting creatives from the SWANA region through commissioned installations. In 2024, Abwab explores vernacular architecture’s role in regenerative design, encouraging practical, experimental, and theoretical perspectives rooted in local traditions.
‘Of Palm’ by Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla | Source: dubaidesignweek
This year’s winning projects are Ola Saad Znad’s A Present/Absent Mudhif, Miriam Hillawi Abraham’s Material Witnesses and Narrating Lifeforms, and ReRoot by Dima Al Srouri, Dalia Hamati, Andy Cartier, and Rosa Hamalainen, all celebrating sustainable design inspired by regional heritage.
A Present/Absent Mudhif, Miriam Hillawi | Source: stirpad
Marketplace
A glimpse of Marketplace | Source: dubaidesignweek
Dubai Design Week’s Marketplace will feature over 75 unique brands showcasing sustainable fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and homeware by local artisans and entrepreneurs. Visitors can enjoy 15 food concepts, including handmade pasta, vegan dishes, and sweet treats, while also engaging in workshops on Moringa seed planting, upcycling, and henna art. The event includes performances by local musicians and creators, celebrating the region’s heritage, culture, and craftsmanship.
Installations
Dubai Design Week 2024 will feature over 40 installations at Dubai Design District (d3), emphasizing sustainable design that merges creativity with technology. Highlights include Formation of Soof by House of Artisans, a visual and audio homage to Al-Sadu weaving.
From waste an ‘Arabi-an Tea House’ | Source: edition
The Resilient Blooms by MASKA x Mariam Abbas, blending botany and architecture to symbolize resilience with eco-conscious materials. The IWAN Pavilion by Ithra reflects Saudi heritage, while Echoes of Light by HX + ILLUSORR uses dynamic light art. Other works like Mirage by KS Architects and Shape of Water by RAK Ceramics offer new environmental insights.
Exhibitions
At Dubai Design Week, exhibitions provide a platform for institutes, collectives, and designers to express unique viewpoints and present innovative solutions across various disciplines.
Art and design objects to be displayed during Editions| Source: stirpad
Highlights include Design Next, a collaboration between Dubai Design District (d3) and Isola Design Group, spotlighting sustainable practices with circular furniture and eco-friendly materials. Another exhibit, Karama 2040 by Heriot-Watt University, envisions an improved Karama with more green spaces and community areas, promoting a quality lifestyle through a green corridor. These exhibitions embody creative solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability, community well-being, and responsible design.
Activation
Dubai Design Week’s activations include a range of unique pop-ups and installations across D3. Monocle’s pop-up at FRAME blends Dubai’s creativity with international cultural insights, featuring exclusive products and the “Dubai 100” guide.
sustainability pavilion ‘Tarabot: Weaving A Living Forum’ | Source: selectionsarts
Art Jameel Space showcases curated works from local and regional artists, supporting organizations like the UNHCR, Mawaheb, and Artisans of Palestine to foster cultural exchange and social impact. Other notable activations include the Art Jameel Space and Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation’s History of Design pop-up, which explore the region’s artistic heritage through immersive exhibits and community-driven initiatives.
In its milestone 10th edition, Dubai Design Week 2024 reaffirms the city’s commitment to cultural exchange, sustainability, and design excellence. With a vibrant program spanning installations, exhibitions, and competitions, the event serves as a powerful platform for regional and international talent to push boundaries in architecture, design, and sustainable practice. Showcasing projects that honor heritage while embracing innovation, Dubai Design Week elevates conversations around resilience, tradition, and environmental responsibility.
References
https://www.stirpad.com/events/united-arab-emirates/dubai-design-week-2024/ (very good for outline)
https://www.dezeen.com/eventsguide/2024/11/dubai-design-week-2024/
https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/about/ (pls go through features and programme tabs also)
https://www.downtowndesign.com
https://www.downtowndesign.com/news/downtown-design-2024-highlights-announced/
https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2024/09/15/dubai-design-week-2024-d3-guide/
https://www.dezeen.com/eventsguide/2024/11/dubai-design-week-2024/