Visit exhibitions, talks and workshops in Dubai Design District.
It’s time to paint the town. Dubai Design Week 2025, the region’s leading design festival, will return for its 11th edition from 4 to 9 November, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. This year’s theme is Community, and it is in response to the UAE’s Year of Community initiative.
Dubai Design Week 2025 brings together emerging and established designers from around the world. The year was declared the Year of Community by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan under the slogan “Hand in Hand”. The event welcomes architects, designers, and creatives from around the world. The programme includes exhibitions, commissions, installations, talks and workshops.
Downtown Design
Downtown Design, the anchor fair for contemporary design, returns to the d3 Waterfront Terrace from 5 to 9 November 2025 with new collections, innovative products and design solutions, plus regional spotlights and daily talks. Returning exhibitors include Huda Lighting, Kartell, Kohler, Poltrona Frau, Obegi Home, Venini and Vitra. New names include Roche Bobois, Stellar Works, Calico Wallpaper, Porada and Desalto.
Immersive concepts will include a Buccellati pop-up conceived by David/Nicolas, the Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot with Studio Marcel Poulain, Styled Habitat’s concept for Nordic Homeworx and a hospitality installation by Etereo Design Studio for Cosentino.
Editions
Running alongside the fair, Editions will present limited edition art and design across prints, photography, works on paper, ceramics, contemporary design and artist multiples. Highlights include Galerie Geek Art’s first regional presentation of Japanese art, Dubai-based Ila Colombo’s AI-driven practice, David/Nicolas with Iwan Maktabi and Orient 499 unveiling a new contemporary collection, and Wadi Finan Art Gallery with works on paper by regional artists. The global launch of the Bureau of Innovation will introduce one-of-a-kind pieces by designers such as Tom Fereday. Urban Commissions.
Installations
More than 30 outdoor works will transform d3 into an open-air gallery. From the UAE, ARDH Collective will build with low-carbon DuneCrete and DateForm, AJZAL will reinterpret the majlis using locally sourced stone and camel leather, EDGE Architects will test new concrete and plastic applications with 3D printing, and the National Pavilion UAE will show Pressure Cooker, an adaptive greenhouse first presented at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Exhibitions and activations
Expect a broad mix of pop-ups and cultural collaborations. The d3 Architecture Exhibition with RIBA will focus on community and showcase international and regional practices. Jaeger-LeCoultre will stage an immersive Reverso experience through the lens of design, architecture, and culinary arts. L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewellery Arts, supported by Van Cleef and Arpels, will present a world premiere exhibition at its d3 campus, bridging West and East through jewellery, heritage and museum artefacts.
Adwab
Abwab, which means “doors” in Arabic, supports artists from across West, South and East Asia, as well as Africa. Abwab commissions pavilions that reflect this year’s theme, In Details. The theme explores the relationship between history, heritage and identity. Previously, Abwab has welcomed more than 180 designers from across the region.
If you’re feeling inspired, check out the Maker Space workshops. Whatever your age or ability, there is something for everyone. Plus, there will be a line-up of local and international speakers sharing industry insights and exchanging ideas.
Creativity awaits.
GO: Visit dubaidesignweek.ae for more information.