Dubai Design Week (site / Instagram) returns for its highly anticipated 10th edition from 5 to 10 November 2024, bringing a dynamic mix of global design innovation, art, and culture to the Dubai Design District (d3).
Supported by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in partnership with d3 and Dubai Culture, the festival features more than 500 designers, architects, and creatives from over 40 countries. Whether you’re a design aficionado or simply curious, this year’s lineup of workshops, performances, and installations promises something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of must-see events and experiences that you just have to catch.
Event Highlights
Downtown Design (6-9 November)
The flagship event of Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design is a global showcase that unites established and emerging design talents from around the world. Expect to see cutting-edge creations that blend functionality with aesthetics, making it a must for anyone looking to explore contemporary design trends.
Editions (6-9 November)
This debut event highlights limited-edition art and design pieces, offering a platform for galleries, studios, and collectives to showcase exclusive work. From intricate sculptures to bespoke furniture, Editions is set to impress both seasoned collectors and casual browsers.
Omani Musical Troupe at Urban Commissions (6 November)
The Urban Commissions winner Altqadum will feature a unique performance by an Omani musical troupe at their installation, TukTukDum. This is a beautiful cross-cultural experience that brings together music and design in an innovative setting.
Talk with Karim Rashid: Breaking Boundaries (7 November, 4-5pm)
Renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid will make his Dubai Design Week debut, discussing his unique design philosophy. This is a golden opportunity to gain insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.
Masterclass: Material Meets Tech by UAE National Pavilion (8 November, 1-2pm)
This masterclass, presented in a fun cooking-show format, explores sustainable design through a blend of materials, tech, and innovation. From research and materials to 3D scanning and assembly, this session will offer valuable insights for those interested in eco-friendly design.
Talk: From Click to Collector (9 November, 2-2:45pm)
Curated by Editions, this talk features Mohamed Somji, Lamya Gargash, Jassim Rabia Al-Awadhi, and Qwan Anthony, who will dive into the evolution of photography and its impact on contemporary design.
Workshop: Mixed Media with Archival Photographs by Nada Almosa (5 November, 3-5pm)
Palestinian artist Nada Almosa leads this unique workshop, blending botanicals, embroidery, and other media with photography. It’s an inspiring session for those interested in exploring mixed media art.
Live Performance: Nigerian Singer-songwriter SEDENOJIE (9 November, 7:30pm & 8:30pm)
Catch  SEDENOJIE’s performances, where his blend of gospel, R&B, jazz, and blues will create a soulful, captivating atmosphere.
Children’s Workshop: Born Creative by Kapil Bhimekar (9 November, 11:30am-1pm)
This fun, hands-on workshop encourages creativity in kids, with activities designed to spark their imaginations and introduce them to art in a friendly, interactive way.
The Marketplace (5-9 November, 10am-10pm)
Explore this bustling marketplace featuring over 75 artisans, local brands, and F&B outlets. Discover everything from sustainable fashion and handcrafted jewelry to artisanal pizzas and Ghanaian vegan dishes. A vibrant spot for shopping and tasting unique finds.
Japanese Tea Ceremony by Mariko Ando-Dedoussi (5-9 November, Various Times)
Experience the tranquility of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies at The Warp, a stunning 3D-printed installation, led by Tea Master Mariko Ando-Dedoussi. This elegant ritual brings the artistry of Japanese culture to Dubai’s design scene.
Live Painting Demonstration with Evie Collins and de Gournay (7-8 November, 1-7pm)
Painter Evie Collins will lead daily hand-painting demonstrations at the de Gournay Lounge, offering an immersive experience in de Gournay’s artistry.
Shellac Demonstration with Ceccotti Collezioni (7-9 November, 1-5pm)
Ceccotti Collezioni will demonstrate shellac, an ancient wood-finishing technique, offering an exclusive look at this unique process at the Poltrona Frau space.
From thought-provoking discussions and interactive workshops to live music and artisanal marketplaces, Dubai Design Week 2024 is an unmissable celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Mark your calendars and download the Dubai Design Week app to make the most of this exceptional week of events. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the best of design, art, and culture in the heart of Dubai.
The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store.
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