Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash on a tour of the fair
Downtown Design Fair explores the future of living spaces
DUBAI, November 9, 2023
Downtown Design Fair, the anchor event of the ninth Dubai Design Week (November 7-12) being held at Dubai Design District, was hailed for its efficacy in articulating the creative visions shaping the future of design and championing sustainability.
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), said this during a visit to the Downtown Design Fair, being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Member of the Dubai Council.
Downtown Design, held under the theme of exploring the future of living spaces, with a focus on materiality and social impact, is being held with the participation of over 300 international and regional designers and brands from 40 countries.
Curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud, it also witnesses the organisation of masterclasses, talks, tours, and a trade/connect programme by global experts and regional decision-makers.
Bin Kharbash’s visit comes within the framework of Dubai Culture’s support for personnel in the fields of design, arts and creativity, and in line with its commitments to strengthening the emirate's cultural and creative industries.
He explored the tenth edition of the fair, and its distinctive works and designs celebrated for their innovative ideas and diverse methods.
The tour included:
- Various pavilions, notably Don Tanani, established by Alia and Tamara El Tanani in 2017. The brand is dedicated to crafting furniture pieces that blend traditional Egyptian craftsmanship with contemporary techniques.
- The latest creations from Tanween by Tashkeel and explored the vibrant and aesthetically pleasing designs offered by the Italian brand Dedar
- Insights into Designed in Saudi, a strategic national initiative focused on advancing the industrial design sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- A collection of tables and chairs by Grid Riyadh brand, introduced by Mazyd Alkhattaf
- An introduction to the BEIT Collective brand, which collaborates with Lebanese and international designers to promote and preserve Lebanese craftsmanship and identity
- Jasmine's Line, established by Hasmig Krikorian in 2020, and the Akar de Nissim pavilion, where traditional influences, precision artistry, and elegant proportions converge
- Emirati heritage-inspired pieces crafted by national designer Omar Al Gurg, the founder of MODU Method
- UAE Designer Exhibition, curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud to platform the works of a group of emerging Emirati and UAE-based talent, including artist Ali Bahmani, Egyptian designer Aya Moug, architect Ammar Kalo, Al Talli craft expert Sarah Al Mansoori, Polish Agata Kurzela’s research into traditional Sadu patterns, Aisha Alyassi displayed the Qurs stool, Kuthub Chair, and San Side Table, Amna Bin Bishr Al Marri, Duna Ajlan, and Dania Ajlan celebration of Emirati heritage, Majid Al Bastaki’s Palm Repose design, Sarah Al Dulaimi’s Seigaiha | The Wave, architect Munira AlMulla’s O-Collection: Re-Plastic Edition, designer Alia Mazrooei ‘sTakiya, designer Nella Figueroa’s artwork Ávila
- The exhibition also included various designs created by Alya AlGhfeli, Areen Hassan, Diana Hawatmeh, Sheikha Al Serkal, Huda Al-Aithan, Nuhayr Zein, Lodge Interior Design, Roudha Al Shamsi, Sketch & Space, Parallel Studios, and Whymsicals by Raghad Al Ali. TradeArabia News Service