Downtown Design, the Middle East’s platform for contemporary original design, is celebrating the Middle East and North Africa's (Mena) growing design sector with an entire section dedicated to trendsetting designers from six countries in the region.

Held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice chairman of the board of directors of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (DCAA), and sponsored by Emaar and the DCAA, Downtown Design is fast emerging as a catalyst for the design scene in the UAE and the region.

An international design fair of select quality brands exhibiting products, trends and innovative concepts, Downtown Design will be held at The Venue at the foot of Burj Khalifa in Emaar’s flagship development, Downtown Dubai from October 28 to 31.

Selected designers will be exhibiting as part of the Musk and Amber and Harper’s Bazaar International Regional Design Exhibition, said the event organisers.

The platform is keen to promote regional talent to the world and is partnering with the first ever Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Award (HBI) to provide these designers the opportunity to compete for the Emerging Designer award.

Designers have been selected from Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, and they will have the opportunity to unveil their latest creations to the world’s most influential design brands, design enthusiasts and the region’s foremost trade professionals who will be attending the event.

Selected by Lamia Bousnina Ben Ayed, the founder and owner of the Musk and Amber concept store in Tunis, Tunisia, the designers are Arwa Hafiz from Saudi Arabia, Nanu Al-Hamad from Kuwait, Nayef Francis from Lebanon, Cherif Morsi from Egypt, Chacha Atallah from Tunisia and Mohammad Hossein Ghaderi from Iran.

The latter is also the recipient of the prestigious Red Dot award recognising excellence in design for his carbon sofa.

Ben Ayed said: "It is important to expose our talented designers and support them as they become known on the international stage. Downtown Design is a perfect place for them to showcase their designs, meet potential buyers and network with global industry leaders."

"At Musk and Amber, we believe the design industry and these entrepreneurs play a very important role in securing the future of our economies and creating jobs for our talented youth," stated Ben Ayed.  

Downtown Design fair director Cristina Romelli-Gervasoni said: "We are conscious about not only featuring the world’s best known global design brands but also the region’s celebrated designers, in recognition of the rich heritage of arts and culture that exists in the region."

"It’s exciting for us to showcase pieces from these trendsetting designers whose keen eye and unique perspectives translate into original designs with global appeal. Nurturing the growth of the region’s talent base is an essential step towards a sustainable regional creative economy," she stated.

On his future plans, Lebanese designer Francis said: "We are looking forward to participating in Downtown Design, which provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with the most inspiring global design brands as well as have access to the growing regional market."

Hafiz representing Saudi Arabia inherited her passion for design from her father. Today she is committed to offering her clients exclusive vintage furniture and home accessories from around the world, which she customises in her distinct style.  

On showcasing her designs at the event, Hafiz said, "It’s an exciting time to be part of the region’s design industry, which is experiencing massive growth and to be part of Downtown Design which is creating a great platform for us to share our creations with the region and the world."

Al-Hamad representing Kuwait said: "Having this platform and showcasing my work alongside global leaders in design is a great opportunity. The mission of Downtown Design, to create this hub in Dubai for the region, is very much aligned with all regional designers’ goals, to shed light on our original designs and gain access to these markets."

Morsi representing Egypt said: “I believe that good product design is usually an item that would fit instantly in the interior type it was designed. Downtown Design recognises the importance of original design and provides us, regional designers, the opportunity to share our creations and vision for the evolution of the sector with like-minded professionals from across the world.”

Atallah, the young architect and designer from Tunisia, said: "I am honoured to have this opportunity to showcase my work alongside some of the great designers from the region and alongside design giants. For me, Downtown Design represents the great leaps that the region is taking in recognition of the importance of design."

Ghaderi from Iran said: "The global recognition of regional designers has been slow in the making, and having platforms like Downtown Design at which we have the opportunity to present our work is incredibly important to create business opportunities for us to continue to create.”-TradeArabia News Service