Dubai Design Week, the Middle East’s leading design festival, is set to make its much-anticipated return from November 4 to 9, 2025, at the Dubai Design District (d3). This year, the festival embraces the theme of “Community,” reflecting the UAE’s “Year of Community” initiative and highlighting the power of design to bring people together and enhance collective experiences.
Celebrating Global and Regional Talent
Over the course of the festival, more than 1,000 designers and brands from across the globe will showcase their work. Visitors can explore a diverse lineup of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and live performances covering architecture, interiors, product design, graphic design, and experiential design. Dubai Design Week serves as a hub for creative exchange, offering opportunities for experimentation and dialogue between regional and international talent.
Key Highlights
Downtown Design
Running from November 5 to 9, Downtown Design serves as the festival’s centerpiece, featuring an expertly curated selection of both international and regional design studios. It remains the premier platform in the region for contemporary and high-quality design.
Editions Art & Design Fair
From November 6 to 9, Editions will showcase limited-edition works spanning photography, ceramics, contemporary design, and artist multiples. The fair provides a space for collectors and enthusiasts to engage with unique creations from around the world.
The Forum
The Forum at Downtown Design will host live talks and keynote presentations from renowned designers, including Tom Dixon in his Dubai debut, UK product designer Lee Broom, and French architect Isabelle Stanislas. These sessions provide insights into current trends, design philosophies, and emerging practices.
Urban Commissions
The festival’s annual design competition, Urban Commissions, returns with the winning project “When Does a Threshold Become a Courtyard?” by UAE-based studio Some Kind of Practice. This installation explores how design can reveal often-overlooked aspects of public and private spaces.
Abwab Commission
Abwab invites participants to explore the theme “In the Details,” examining precision, material intelligence, and cultural nuance through design. The installations celebrate the influence of ornamental and decorative elements across architecture, objects, and textiles.
Supporting Emerging Designers
The UAE Designer Exhibition, now in its sixth year and supported by Dubai Culture, highlights the work of emerging designers. Located at the heart of Downtown Design, the exhibition gives early-career creatives visibility and opportunities for commercial growth while connecting them with international audiences.
Accessible to All
Dubai Design Week 2025 is free to attend, offering a wide array of installations, exhibitions, workshops, and events. The festival continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for design, innovation, and creative exchange.
