In anticipation of Expo2020, the fair will house more country pavilions than ever, including presentations from France and Spain. It reflects the diversity of the contemporary design scene, featuring 100 new brands alongside returning exhibitors. Key events include the region’s leading design fair, Downtown Design; Global Grad Show that brings together works from 100 of the most innovative universities across the world; and Abwab, the curated and interactive project containing original design from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
Focusing on the next generation of regional talent, Downtown Editions, the fair’s showcase for bespoke and limited-edition design presents designers, studios and collectives. This edition's guest curator of Dubai Design Week, Designer Ghassan Salameh will spotlight regional design with his design research exhibition “MADAR”, presented within Downtown Editions and focusing on regional design and current movements in the design market. It will highlight the latest innovations of emerging regional designers.
Installations will feature throughout the fair, highlighting design creativity from around the world: Preciosa will present their large-scale interactive installation Carousel of Light, technology artist Anthony James will bring his dynamic glass and LED sculpture Icosahedron and global architecture practice LWK+ Partners will present an interactive space that reflects both the heritage and modernity of the studio’s home base in China.
Downtown Design’s Trade Programme continues to address the needs of the competitive design industry, helping members raise their profile and forge industry relationships. Featuring a series of networking events and privileges, designed to help design professionals make the most of the fair’s platform, it facilitates opportunities for architects and interior designers to connect with peers, brands and industry influencers.
In a series of talks and workshops, designed to support design professionals and enthusiasts, ‘The Forum’ offers creative, commercial and strategic industry insights by global and regional design experts. Themes will range from how to build a business in design, to managing clients in design firms and design marketing.
For more information, please visit www.dubaidesignweek.ae