dubai design week 2020 returns with hybrid of physical and virtual events

from november 9-14, dubai design week returns for 2020 to reiterate its position as the creative hub of the middle east, reconnect designers from all corners of the globe, and retell the wonders of local creations and creators. in fact, it is the first major cultural event in the region since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. as such, the festival springs back with a unique twist – a diverse hybrid program of inspiring events, exhibitions, and activities open online as well as on-site at dubai design district (d3). an array of showcases, pop-ups, and outdoor installations in the city are joined by another key highlight at d3, the dubai design week marketplace. this new large-scale outdoor retail initiative unites the best of dubai’s creative community, offering original products predominantly sourced and made locally in the UAE. visitors from far and wide can also tour the digital editions of the global grad show – the annual must-see event for young, upcoming creatives – and the influential downtown design fair, which also hosts a series of virtual talks.

explore dubai design week on-site or online from november 9-14 – travel, here.

‘shape of things to come’ exhibition at downtown design
all images courtesy of dubai design week

for dubai design week 2020, downtown design is again the highlight event to inspire architects, interior designers, and enthusiasts alike. it is actually one of the first trade shows to open since early 2020 as it unveils the latest, trendsetting, and unpublished collections from both leading international and regional brands. search for interior inspiration, gather insight, and order products as you explore the digital aisles of the fair as the show moves online. seemingly the future for design as well as trade fairs as a whole, visitors can once more reconnect with the rest of the contemporary design scene thanks to downtown design.

downtown design’s informative talks program also goes digital for dubai design week 2020. experts are set to discuss emerging solutions and systems that creatives can adopt in the new realities that are reshaping societies, economies, and communities globally. called ‘the forum’, tune into the virtual talks program which features leading architects and designers, including designer aline asmar d’amman, design journalist max fraser, emirati architect abdalla almulla, and indian architect nuru karim amongst many more.

on the ground at d3, the downtown design fair hosts a multimedia exhibition that invited middle east-based architects and interior designs to conceptualize how we will live, work, and play post pandemic. titled ‘the shape of things to come’, the exhibition spotlights emerging design thinking in the region around four sectors for the future: residential, urban, commercial, and hospitality. they propose new ideas such as pedestrian networks, a new approach to design for places of worship, and the evolution of air travel.

the MENA grad show on-site at d3

as another highlight of dubai design week each year, the global grad show turns to young creatives to imagine, design and make the world a better place. exploring the fields of technology, science, and design, the projects focus on solutions that improve as well as transform our lives. the 2020 edition unveils trends that are the top-of-mind challenges according to graduates – a topic of even more prominence and importance in 2020.

the exhibition has been leveraged into the new MENA grad show on-site at d3, which displays 50 of the most exciting projects from the middle east and north africa. the full global grad show has been reformatted to feature digitally. as the world’s most diverse program for graduates working on social impact innovation, they received a record 1,600+ applications from 270 universities in 60 countries. the 2020 global grad show is set to be unmissable again.

MENA grad show 2020: reconstructing mass by alina s. and mary k

global grad show 2020: airtomo by kevin chiam

a curation of inspiring regional creations await visitors on the ground at d3 during duabi design week 2020. a line-up of 25 outdoor installations, varying in size, shape and symbolism, can be explored as guests socially distance between downtown design, MENA grad show, exhibitions and more.

abwab, translating to ‘doors’ from arabic, returns for 2020 once again showcasing regional design talent in a custom-made installation. titled ‘fata morgana’, iraqi designer hozan zangana in collaboration with generous studio and woodcast designs address city dwellers’ ever-changing relationship with their public realm and its need for shelter, respite, and relaxation. the exhibition’s framework resembles a modern day city as its proposed interventions are placed around a central point through an open plan arrangement. seven pillars rise up in the space, symbolic for each one of the emirates.

abwab 2020: fata morgana’ by iraqi designer hozan zangana (main image also)

throughout d3, visitors can visit a range of thought-provoking exhibitions about regional design as well as topics facing the world at large. ‘UAE designer’ exhibition presents the work as well as skill set of 20 locally-based creatives in industries between jewellery and furniture design. ‘points in common’ is a technology-led installation created by montreal-based studio iregular, which allows visitors to interact and control their own individual experience. the ‘d3 architecture festival 2020’ features regional projects of 40 RIBA-chartered architectural practices alongside multi-disciplinary exhibitions and initiatives by international organizations, councils and institutes. under the theme ‘identify, context and placemaking in the gulf’, this festival hosts a full week of talks that explore a range of topics relevant in the creative world today.

‘points in common’ installation by studio iregular

whether local, regional or international, dubai design week 2020 returns to reconnect creatives from all corners of the globe. tune into their series of expert talks, explore the digital aisles of the downtown design fair, and delve into the innovative, inspiring projects of worldwide students at the global grad show. the festival can all be experience on-site or online – travel here to find out more.

view of the ‘UAE designer’ exhibition including the ‘acrylic’ collection by reem al bustani