Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and innovation, as Dubai Design Week (DDW) is officially set to return for its highly anticipated 11th edition this year. Promising to be bigger and more inspiring than ever, the event will transform the city into a global design capital from Tuesday, November 4, to Sunday, November 9.
Held at the creative heart of the city, the Waterfront Terrace in d3 (Dubai Design District), the week-long festival will bring together a stellar line-up of the world’s top designers, groundbreaking emerging talent, and a series of eye-catching public installations that are sure to dominate your social feeds.
A Celebration of ‘Community’
In a beautiful response to the UAE’s Year of Community, this year’s overarching theme is aptly titled ‘Community’. The programme is designed to foster connection and collaboration, bringing some of the best international designers into the same space as visionary emerging artists to explore what it means to create together.
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What To Expect at Dubai Design Week 2025
Prepare for a sensory journey through design, fashion, architecture, and art. The recently announced programme is packed with unmissable experiences:
Large-Scale Installations: Over 30 Instagram-friendly outdoor installations from designers, architects, and creative brands will be scattered across d3 and the Downtown Design fair, each interpreting the theme of community in unique and thought-provoking ways. Don’t miss the 2025 urban commission, ‘When Does a Threshold Become a Courtyard’.
The Downtown Design Fair: The region’s leading fair for quality and original design returns, showcasing a curated edit of interior products and furniture from iconic and emerging brands.
Hands-On Workshops: Fancy rolling up your sleeves? Head to the Maker Space for a programme packed with workshops offering visitors of all ages and skill levels a creative challenge.
Shop Local at The Marketplace: In a fantastic initiative to support local talent, a dedicated marketplace will be constructed for the week. Discover and purchase everything from unique homeware and jewellery to fashion pieces directly from the producers.
The Editions Fair: For the art and design connoisseurs, the limited-edition Editions fair (November 6-9) will showcase exquisite, collectible work from 50 local and international galleries, design studios, and collectives.
Family Fun: The week is designed for everyone. The market will also boast delicious food experiences, engaging children’s activities, and live performances to keep the entire family entertained.
Spotlight on Global Talent
Two cornerstone initiatives return to platform exceptional voices:
Urban Commissions: Designers and architects have been invited to develop innovative outdoor furniture for public spaces, with the winning design being brought to life.
Abwab Initiative: Meaning ‘doors’ in Arabic, this initiative returns to feature emerging talent from West, South, and East Asia, as well as Africa. This year, Abwab will follow the compelling theme ‘In the Details’.
The week will also host a series of exhibitions showcasing new talent and insightful talks from leading international experts, making it a must-attend event for anyone in the creative industry.
Your 2025 SOLE DXB guide is here. Ticket prices, pre-launch dates, and more
Here are some of our favourite displays from the previous iteration of Dubai Design Week
How to Get Involved:
If you are a designer, architect, or creative practitioner eager to participate in Dubai Design Week, you are encouraged to apply via the official Dubai Design Week website.
Prepare to be inspired. Dubai Design Week 2025 is set to be a profound celebration of design, connection, and community.
The event will run from Tuesday, November 4 to Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Waterfront Terrace in Dubai Design District (d3).
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Images: Supplied & Featured Image: supplied
