String theory: DIDI’s grand opening
The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation launches with a student installation in Dubai Mall.
To celebrate their back-to-school opening, the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) unveiled a bespoke art-design installation, Khayt, that explores past and present Middle Eastern culture and design practices at The Dubai Mall.
As a first of its kind in the region, DIDI offers a unique design education, in the form of a four-year Bachelor of Design Degree (BDes), the curriculum of which has been crafted in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Parsons School of Design. Khayt will be the first installation in The Dubai Mall from a leading design school in the region.
Mohammad Abdullah, President of DIDI comments: ‘We are delighted to mark the opening of DIDI, the regions first design university of its kind, with this unique design installation at The Dubai Mall. Khayt’s theme of collaboration between traditional practices, digital techniques and the community, highlights DIDI’s core values of innovation and sustainability as well as ethical design. The exhibit also represents the cultural theme of design in the UAE at present, which not only positions Dubai as a design hub for the region, but also connects the city to the global stage of design, which is our aim with DIDI’.
Hussain Aljabi weaving at DIDI’s Khyat Launch
Left to right: Leigh Ann Jones, Khosla Mohammad Abdullah, Sandy Tinari, Maggie Jonk, Ayesha Tayyeb, Hussain Aljabi, and Sass Brown
Created by a multidisciplinary team of creatives and students from DIDI, Khayt reinvents the traditional string weaving culture of the UAE, Sadu, for the modern day, through innovative practices and technologies such as 3D printing. Designed to celebrate the official opening of DIDI, Khayt – meaning string in Arabic, is a reflection of Dubai’s own innovative transformation by drawing connections between heritage and modernity.
The live art installation located on the Ground Floor in The Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium, is made up of 14 kilometres of string and 110 metres of powder coated steel and will be open to the public until 11th September. Khayt will transform and evolve throughout its two-week residency as members of the public are invited to view large-scale 3D printing live and contribute to the mass weaving project, elements of which will later be displayed at DIDI’s university campus in Dubai Design District.
DIDI unveils Khyat at The Dubai Mall
The Latest
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Frieze announce launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi
The move marks a new chapter in the emirate’s role on the global art calendar.
For Those Who Know
Gaggenau’s new Expressive series draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles and the minimalism of modernist architecture
Eternal Flow
Inspired by the open seas and its five-star location on the Palm Jumeirah, this nature-inspired home by Katrin & Muse Design brims with inspiration
Where Faith, Knowledge and Community Converge
Conceived by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Qatar is the first purpose-built contemporary women’s mosque in the Muslim world
An Ethereal Stay
A bespoke, cultural and spiritual adventure awaits in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang with the all-inclusive Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection hotel
Celebrating artistry, heritage, and community
Casamia & Mustard & Linen host a cultural exchange celebrating Emirati Women’s Day
Skyline Serenity
A family home in Almaty, Kazakhstan blends modern architecture, bespoke craftsmanship and global design icons
Trend Group supplies to the Red Sea’s most prestigious projects
Mohamad Chehab, the general manager of Trend Group Middle East talks about the group's involvement in the Red Sea Projects
A New Chapter in Surfaces
APE Grupo brings Spanish expertise to the Middle East with a flagship showroom designed for visionaries
The Art of Distinction
Influenced by Art Deco design, Supreme by TREDEX now features a striking Matt Bourbon finish
Read ‘The Luxury Issue’ – Note from the editor
Our cover features Gaggenau, a brand that embodies design for the truly discerning.
Sarita Handa and Kristina Zanic Consultants Unveil DEEBAJ
Sarita Handa and Kristina Zanic Consultants announce the launch of DEEBAJ, a special-edition textile collection that reinterprets the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through the artistry of Indian craftsmanship.