Khadija Al Bastaki On Downtown Design, Dubai Design Week And Art In The Region
Dubai Design Week is back for its seventh edition, and this time it’s looking into the past, studying the present and celebrating the future…
The month of November in Dubai is synonymous with great design, and at the heart of that is Dubai Design Week, which for its seventh instalment falls on November 8th to 13th 2021. Over 200 free-to-attend events, exhibitions, pop-ups, installations, talks and workshops – plus the region’s leading design fair: Downtown Design – will all come together at Dubai Design District (d3) – the iconic, creative home of the Emirate.
“This flagship event, with an in-person show this year, showcases and celebrates the bespoke and inspiring creations of our local and regional artisans. It truly elevates their ambitions as designers and creatives,” Khadija Al Bastaki, d3’s executive director told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia ahead of the launch. “Also, as the Middle East’s leading design fair for high-end and quality design, it highlights our region’s capacity to connect, collaborate, create and inspire.”
As part of its focus on regional talent, Dubai Design Week will show support for the creative community in Lebanon. “Emerging and established Lebanese design talent will be highlighted throughout the festival’s programme – with architectural installations and product design to artisanal delicacies and outdoor music sessions,” said Khadija, explaining that this support is a follow-up to the help that d3 provided last year. “We extended support to Lebanese design businesses affected by the Beirut blast with a new initiative enabling startups, entrepreneurs, boutique studios and large-scale companies to restart operations and regain a local and regional footprint.”
Talent from closer to home will be showcased once again in the UAE Designer Exhibition 2.0, a place for local and emerging artists from the Emirates to share their work. Khadija pointed out some of the highlights: “Maitha Bin Jumah is an interior designer based in Ras Al Khaimah and she will present ‘Tadarais’ – a sustainable and bespoke furniture line of tables that aims to draw from the natural environment, and which has been made using recycled materials to bring a modern and nature-inspired design,” she explained. “Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg is another inspiring local designer who will showcase a range of furniture titled ‘MODU Method’ which is manufactured with different types of solid wood, creating a longer-lasting and durable product,” she continued.
One of the most innovative displays at d3 will take a look into the future, in the shape of the 2040: d3 Architecture Exhibition. “The multimedia exhibition will spotlight five d3 architectural firms presenting concepts of how Dubai could look in 20 years,” said Khadija excitedly.
Architects have been asked to “enhance people’s happiness and quality of life,”working within the four main themes that ‘The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’ has as its goals for sustainable urban development. These are listed as mobility and transportation, public and recreational spaces, accessibility to infrastructure and eco-tourism.
But it’s not all about what there is to see. As ever, Dubai Design Week is a place to get involved. “The vibrant display of creativity will also include an extensive line-up of more than 80 workshops under the theme of ‘Paper, Plastic + Play’,” recounted Khadija. “They will provide visitors of all ages and levels of experience with the opportunity to experiment with ancient and innovative ways of making and creating, and with each activity curated with people and the planet in mind.”
And there’s a whole host of talks that are not to be missed. “As part of the ‘Meet the UAE Creatives’ programme, one of several engaging talks will include a discussion that will shed light on graphic design content creation in the UAE and how it is evolving,” Khadija explained. “While another session of the programme will look into the formation of the educational system in the field of design and how relatable it is to the real world.” And if you want some more futuristic content: “Set as part of The Forum, Downtown Design’s dedicated talks programme, Laura Bielecki, Rayana Hossain and Rob McIntosh will also host a discussion titled ‘The Future of Homes’, which will address how user needs, experiences, technology and design are transforming residential architecture and interiors.”
Dubai Design Week takes place between November 8th and 13th 2021. For more information visit dubaidesignweek.ae or download the free Dubai Design Week 2021 app.
IMAGE: ANGELO FURS