Dubai Design Week

Honored to have curated Across/عبر/Through, DIDI's exhibition at Dubai Design Week 2024. If you're around, stop by the atrium of Building 4 at D3, the Dubai Design District—it's open until tomorrow! It was a privilege to welcome Her Highness HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Excellency Hala Badri to the exhibition. Featuring: "DIDI Gallery / عبرالمعرض" - a curated showcase of impact-driven DIDI students' projects including the Terra Carta Design Lab finalists of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. "DIDI Majlis / عبرالمجلس " - hosting Fireside Talks by DIDI professors Marko Selakovic, Raffi Tchakerian, Hani Asfour, and Muqeem Khan, and open classrooms with Mirko Daneluzzo and Olgica Momirovska. "DIDI Museum / عبرالمدحف " - a Pop-Up exhibit displaying rare design collectibles retracing the history of design - curated by DIDI's VP Hani Asfour as a learning tool for his Design History class. "DIDI Network / عبرالشبكة" - a series of satellite events happening across D3 throughout the week in collaboration with industry partners - organized by professors Elmar Schüller, Jasmine Shahin, and Mirko Daneluzzo with Caracol AM, Kartell, and Pinnacle Interiors among others. -- DIDI students featured in the gallery: Aaliyah Mohammed, Abdulla Koujak, Ahmad Saleh, Aida Taghaei, Alefiyah Ustad, Areeba Shahid, Arjun Prince, Aryan Thomas, Aya Al Atrash, Dalal Jaber, Dalilah Mansour, Dr. Sana Mohamed, Fatmah Lootah, Ghazalah Madani, Hana Kabeer, Hind Tawakul, Jeeda Sabbagh, Lamya Alawadhi, Mariam, Maryam Alfalasi, Meera Alsuwaidi, Meera Alsamt, Mohammad Baazim, Noor Alahmad, Omar Alsaadi, Omar, Rachael Barkhuizen, Rand Kachlan, Reem Gaggo, Safa Fathima, Samara Rajaratnam, Shamma Alshamsi, Shahd Elkarmalawy, Suad Al Fardan. Grateful to the DIDI leadership -President Mohammad Abdullah, VP Hani Asfour, and Dean Amir Zeid- for their support. Congrats to the DIDI faculty and students for their fascinating work. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Mirko Daneluzzo, Zainab Makki, Najat Bouabali, Razan Al Marzouqi, Amber Lowe, Susann Sonnenberg, and Muqeem, for this project. Special Kudos to my MuL201 students for their work on the digitization of the DIDI Design Museum: Abdullah Al Muhaisen, Bushra Alshamsi, Diana Linnik, Hana Kabeer, Josefine Bentzen, Joud Taha, Mohammad Almarri, Noor Alahmad, Rachael Barkhuizen, Sofia Malandrino, Suhaila Alsuwaidi, Yashvi Patel, and Zoe Grace Concepcion.

Why Do So Many Women Leave Architecture in Their 30s? This industry wasn’t designed for working mothers—but that doesn’t mean we can’t redesign it. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to bring my daughter to the Future Architects exhibition I designed and curated for RIBA and Dubai Design Week, where my daughter met HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Moments like these matter. She saw firsthand what’s possible, and I hope it inspires her and the next generation of women to know not only the tips below, but create these meaningful spaces. But too often, we don’t see women leading in architecture because the structures in place push them out. I want to change that. Building on the inspiring presentations from young students we saw recently RIBA Gulf International Women's Day 2025 here are three key strategies that I want to share to help these young women stay and thrive in architecture: 1️⃣ Keep Learning, Even During Career Pauses Many women use maternity leave (or other career breaks) as a time to gain new skills—whether that’s studying for a complementary qualification, like landscape architecture, or adding a specialism like principal designer certification. Growth doesn’t have to stop when life takes a turn; sometimes, those turns create new opportunities. 2️⃣ Choose a Workplace That Truly Supports You Finding a firm that values its employees, provides strong maternity leave policies, and welcomes flexibility upon return is game-changing. It’s much easier to negotiate flexibility with an employer who already sees your worth than to start from scratch elsewhere. If you’re in a workplace that uplifts you—its rare so hold onto it. That’s gold. 3️⃣ Invest Young and Wisely This one is personal. Financial independence gives you options: the option to leave a toxic job, the option to take a career pause without fear, the option to build something of your own. The sooner we start saving and investing—even in small amounts—the more freedom we create for ourselves. I love the work of financial feminist Tori Dunlap who makes investing accessible for women at all stages. And let’s be clear: I don’t want the only option for mothers in architecture to be leaving and starting their own thing so they get the flexibility we all need. We need systemic change—better parental leave, true workplace flexibility, and a shift in culture that allows both parents to share responsibilities equitably. I admire those leading the fight, like Anna Whitehouse founder of MotherPukka in the UK, who advocates for parental rights, and the many incredible women I’ve watched carve their own paths. To those pushing for change, breaking ceilings, and supporting each other—thank you. Let’s keep building a profession where more women stay, lead, and thrive. Would love to hear—what helped YOU stay in the industry? Or, if you left, what would have made you stay?

Curated by Rythma Ekanayake of Womena the exhibition Freedom by Design was divided into three segments and celebrates women’s empowerment through design, creativity, and the pursuit of freedom. The exhibition featured immersive elements such as loofah projections by Life of Loofah, made by Noor Taan, interactive poetry by poet Amira Salah-Ahmed and a VR experience brought to life by creative technologist Solénne Tadros. Dubai Design Week is held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by @dubaiculture.⁠

Changing the world through circular design. 🍥 At Dubai Design Week, Cooloo’s circular materials were on full display, thanks to our partnership with Nova Composites Manufacturing LLC, one of our trusted licensees. Nova crafted sustainable panels combined with our innovative finishes, which were then finished during a hands-on training session provided by Cooloo. These panels were displayed at Colab, Dubai’s local materials bank and the only one in the region. Would you like to become a Cooloo licensee and receive exclusive training to implement our circular techniques in your own projects? By partnering with us, you’ll gain the expertise and resources to create impactful, sustainable finishings. 📍 Interested in learning more about licensing and training opportunities? Send us a message. 👉 info@cooloo.nl #coolootechniques #circulardesign #sustainability #innovation #dubaidesignweek #licensetoinnovate #globalpartnership #designsolutions

The Tanween Collection by Tashkeel embodies sustainable design rooted in the UAE’s cultural heritage and natural landscape. Crafted using locally sourced materials like palm fronds and eco-friendly processes, each piece highlights a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Emirati designers reimagine traditional techniques, blending them with modern innovation to create limited-edition furniture and decor. By championing sustainability, Tanween reflects a vision of preserving heritage while fostering eco-conscious practices for a responsible design future. 📍#UAE ——— Read more at: #materialoftheday #motd www.archimat.io ——— Credits: Via: Tanween by Tashkeel ——— #archimat #emiratidesign #tanween #sustainablecraftsmanship #ecofriendlydesign #locallysourcedmaterials #UAEcraftsmanship #designinnovation

Our sister event, Downtown Design, the region’s leading fair for contemporary and quality design, will open its inaugural fair in Saudi Arabia, 20–23 May 2025, at the JAX District in Riyadh, set against the backdrop of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif.⁠ ⁠ Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the KSA Ministry of Culture, the fair will offer design professionals, industry leaders, design enthusiasts and the culturally curious direct access to contemporary and limited-edition design from around the world, with a spotlight on local talent.⁠ ⁠ To find out more about how to participate in Downtown Design Riyadh, contact riyadh@downtowndesign.com⁠

The Middle East’s leading fair for contemporary and quality design, Downtown Design, will open its inaugural fair in Saudi Arabia 20–23 May 2025 in the JAX District in Riyadh, with the stunning backdrop of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif.⁠ ⁠ Held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, Downtown Design Riyadh will offer design professionals and industry leaders as well as design enthusiasts and the culturally curious direct access to contemporary and limited-edition design from around the world, with a spotlight on local talent. ⁠ To find out more about how to participate in Downtown Design Riyadh, contact riyadh@downtowndesign.com ⁠ ⁠ "داون تاون ديزاين"، المعرض الرائد في الشرق الأوسط للتصميم المعاصر والجودة، ينطلق بنسخته الأولى في المملكة العربية السعودية من 20 إلى 23 مايو 2025 بالرياض، في حي جاكس المتميز بإطلالته الخلابة على حي الطريف التاريخي المُدرج ضمن قائمة التراث العالمي لليونسكو.⁠ ⁠ يُنظم داون تاون ديزاين لرياض بالشراكة مع هيئة فنون العمارة والتصميم التابعة لوزارة الثقافة السعودية، حيث سيوفر للمحترفين وقادة القطاع وعشاق التصميم والمهتمين بالثقافة فرصة للتفاعل المباشر إلى التصاميم المعاصرة والإصدارات المحدودة من مختلف أنحاء العالم، مع تسليط الضوء على المواهب المحلية.⁠ ⁠ للمزيد من المعلومات حول المشاركة في داون تاون ديزاين الرياض، يرجى التواصل riyadh@downtowndesign.com عبر

🏗️ Construction waste: Problem or opportunity? 🌍 Did you know that construction accounts for 1/3 of global waste? But what if these materials were not just a challenge—but a chance? With our cement-free Oulesse® binder, we transform mixed demolition waste into a valuable resource. The result? Low-carbon concrete that finds applications across the industry. A recent example: Oxara’s Oulesse binder was used for an architectural pavilion at Dubai Design Week, proving that circular solutions can be both sustainable and stunning. 🔎 STOOT – see how this vision came to life: https://lnkd.in/e7KVuh2A Project by: Dubai Design Week, Prototypes for Humanity, Abdalla Almulla from MULA Desgin Studio, Julien Chabanne from Oxara, and WalkThru Contracting L.L.C. #CircularConstruction #LowCarbonConcrete #SustainableBuilding #Oxara #STOOT

2025 has been declared the Year of Community by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan under the slogan 'Hand in Hand.' As Dubai Design Week serves as a vibrant platform for designers, architects, and visionaries to come together, here’s a glimpse of how design fosters connection, inspiration, and collective progress.

As we reflect on Dubai Design Week, visitors had the chance to immerse themselves in large-scale installations, develop skills across all design disciplines with workshops in the Maker Space, and participate in thought-provoking talks and interactive experiences. They also explored the Marketplace, discovering unique products and connecting with local artisans.⁠ ⁠ Dubai Design Week is held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority Ola Saad Znad Altqadum BMW Middle East AB+AC Architects Isola Design Group Oxara Ronak Hingarh