Design Days Dubai, set to be held from March 18 to 21 next year, will exhibit exceptional rare designs from 29 galleries, a 30 per cent growth in participation.

Apart from being the only design fair in the Middle East and South Asia, Design Days Dubai is now the world’s most diverse design fair globally, a statement from the organisers said. By featuring galleries from all six continents, the fair has further established Dubai as centre of discovery and as an international meeting place for the world’s cultural community.

Design Days Dubai further differentiates itself through unique design installations, an enhanced public programme of workshops, talks, and mentorship sessions supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in a unique, custom-built location at the base of Burj Khalifa, Emaar Properties’ iconic development and the world’s tallest building, in Downtown Dubai, the city’s thriving lifestyle destination, billed as ‘The Centre of Now.’

“In less than two years, Design Days Dubai has become one of the world’s most diverse international design events, underscoring the emirate’s status as a meeting point for established and emerging collectors, gallery owners and designers,” said Cyril Zammit, fair director of Design Days Dubai.  

“Design Days Dubai has enabled Dubai to rank among an elite group of cities – London, Paris, Basel, New York and Miami – which host fairs specialising in both art and design.”

As limited-edition design becomes a more popular and safe investment both regionally and internationally, Design Days Dubai will feature never-before-seen contemporary works alongside vintage and classic design pieces from the 20th century, the statement said.

With a strong return rate from previously participating galleries, Design Days Dubai will welcome leading global galleries including Carpenters Workshop Gallery (London/Paris), R20th Century (New York), and Gallery Seomi (Seoul) as well as newcomers to the international design sector, such as Broached Commissions (Melbourne) and Galeria Mexicana de Diseño (Mexico City).  

The fair has also witnessed close to double the number of regional galleries participating, with galleries from Dubai, Kuwait and Beirut taking part.

New for 2013, Design Days Dubai will focus on sustainable work with a design lab, as well as a wider ‘Bespoke Design’ section, in which four design brands will showcase their insight, skills and creations.  

Fostering the next generation of designers is the remit of Design Days Dubai’s mentorship programme, which is part of the four-day public programme of talks, presentations and workshops around current design issues.

The 2013 edition has secured the support of sponsors like Van Cleef & Arpels, which will present a signature creative concept, showcasing many celebrated jewellery pieces that can be metamorphosed to be worn in more than one way; global property developer and provider of premier lifestlyes, Emaar; and leading German car manufacturer Audi; together with strategic partner Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Design Days Dubai is a key element of Art Week, the Middle East’s largest and most diverse cultural event annually, which is set to welcome thousands of residents and visitors. – TradeArabia News Service