Dubai has designs on all
dubai — Colours, cuts and class set Dubai Design Week 2016 apart from other must-attend events happening in the UAE. The Middle East’s biggest celebration of designs returned with a bang for a second year on October 24 at Dubai Design District 3 (D3).
Architects, designers and exhibitors from all over the world are taking part in the majestic concept that started last year and has tripled in size and number of participants this year.
It is hosting 150 events citywide with local retailers, design brands, galleries and universities. The UAE is the largest market in the Middle East and 90 per cent of economic growth in the industry is expected to come from architecture, interiors and fashion.
The Human Senses
Six countries from the region are showcasing local design talent. Curators and designers from Algeria, Bahrain, India, Iraq, Palestine and UAE are participating to invent exclusive design content under one unifying theme “The Human Senses”.
Innovation blended with imperfection is a unique feature about the Palestinian pavilion. The beautiful handmade blocks of olive wood carving on display makes it a breathtaking piece of art.
“This creation is a mix of man and machine and requires lots of patience and hard work. The small elements are attached together to make it big,” Yousef Anastas, architect and engineer of the project, said.
Pottery from Bahrain highlights the theme of unearthing. The Indian pavilion focuses on making memories tangible by painting on tiles while the Iraqi pavilion is an amalgamation of civilisation, language and traditions. Food being a main element of the UAE’s display, it is played through the theme of Cafeteria in different colours and shades.
‘Iconic city’! Cairo Now!
This captures — for the first time under one roof the Egyptian capital’s current design landscape and celebrates innovation and emerging talent in the fields of product, furniture, graphic and architecture.
The event involves 100 brands participating from 28 countries. It presents top quality, original luxury products from furniture and lighting to textiles and accessories.
Talks and workshops are also taking place alongside the event. The six-day celebration involves 550 designers with groundbreaking ideas and designs. More than 2,500 students from 47 schools and universities in the UAE are also participating this year. The show ends on October 29.