Getting underway from Nov. 5 to 10 at Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Design Week (DDW) is back for its milestone 10th edition. Curated under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and held in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Culture, this year’s event is a doozy, boasting a lineup of more than 500 designers, architects, and brands from over 40 countries. From the debut of Editions, the region’s first fair dedicated to limited-edition art and design, to immersive live performances and masterclasses, read on to discover all of the highlights you don’t want to miss.
Editions: A New Horizon for Art and Design Collectors
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Running in conjunction with Downtown Design—a fair for contemporary design—, Editions is a brand new platform that marks a watershed moment in the region’s art and design scene. Presenting limited-edition pieces by both renowned and emerging galleries, the event broadens the horizons of design collecting, showcasing mediums from photography to ceramics and prints. This exciting addition opens doors to collectors at all levels, making art and design more accessible and appealing to diverse audiences.
Downtown Design and the Debut of KNOTION by Hands and Nika Zupanc
Downtown Design, taking place from Nov. 6 to 9, is set to showcase cutting-edge works by designers from across the globe. A highlight of the event is the KNOTION collection, a luxurious collaboration between Hands, a handmade carpet brand, and the renowned designer Nika Zupanc. This collection of ten stunning, hand-knotted carpets in botanical silk embodies a thoughtful interpretation of life’s twists and turns, as seen through the metaphor of road knots. Each carpet, an exquisite blend of contemporary artistry and pop sensibility, radiates Zupanc’s flair for playful lines, curves, and bold colors.
Installations and Talks
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DDW 2024 balances global perspectives with local culture through installations and performances, such as the Omani musical troupe’s display at the TukTukDum installation by Urban Commissions winner Altqadum. For those eager to gain insights from industry pioneers, acclaimed designer Karim Rashid will take the stage in a talk titled Breaking Boundaries: Redefining Design on Nov. 7, discussing his avant-garde design philosophy. Meanwhile, the UAE National Pavilion’s Material Meets Tech masterclass promises to demystify sustainable design through a blend of 3D scanning and material innovation.
Marketplaces, Workshops, and Performances
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The weekend Marketplace brings Dubai Design Week to a fitting conclusion, offering a curated selection of over 75 regional artisans and creators selling distinctive wares, from sustainable fashion to fine glasswork. In parallel, live performances and workshops will engage audiences, with highlights such as SEDENOJIE’s R&B, jazz, and gospel-infused performances, Mariko Ando-Dedoussi’s traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and live painting by Evie Collins at the de Gournay Lounge.
Pop-ups and Activations
There are plenty of shopping opportunities to be found at this year’s edition of DDW. The Art Jameel Space is presenting a curated selection of works from regional and international artists and designers, including socially-conscious products from the UN Refugee Agency and Artisans of Palestine in support of marginalized communities. Meanwhile, Monocle is set to takeover Frame for one-month with a pop-up featuring a selection of Monocle’s print, clothing, homeware, bags, and accessories, including exclusive collaborations with Japanese ceramic studio Hasami and Brittany’s coastal clothing manufacturer Le Minor.
