Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
The regional design fair will be divided into dedicated design segments this year
Following a digital fair in 2020, Downtown Design has announced that it will be returning as a physical exhibition this year, set inside a purpose-built tent at the Dubai Design District during Dubai Design Week. Taking place from 8-12 November – an extra day has ben added to its usual four-day schedule – the fair is set to coincide with Expo Dubai 2020.
The 8th edition will feature the latest collections by regional and international brands as well as country pavilions set to promote native design talent to the Middle East.
This year also sees an introduction of a new format for the fair, which will be divided into dedicated design segments including Furniture, Lighting, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Materials & Finishes, Accessories and Soft Furnishings.
The fair will also see the return of Downtown Edition, its boutique showcase for limited-edition and bespoke design, showcasing works by a new generation of independent designers, collectives and studios who are looking to embark on the next phase of their career growth.
‘The Shape of Things to Come’ exhibition will also make a comeback this year, commissioning regional architects and designers to “create vignettes with a new theme”.
Downtown Design’s talk programme will continue, bringing together regional and international practitioners to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented to the design industry.
Read more: identity’s highlights from Dubai Design Week 2020
The much-anticipated AlUla Arts Festival has made its grand return and will run until 22 February 2025
Inspired by the natural beauty of both the Pacific Northwest and Asian design elements, this house harmoniously merges the best of two styles and cultures.
Here are the best product designers in the MENA region.
Meet Karim+Elias, one of the top product designers in the MENA region
Meet Omar Al Gurg, Founder of Modu Method and one of the top product designers in the MENA region
Meet KAMEH, one of the top product designers in the MENA region
Meet Aljoud Lootah, one of the top product designers in the MENA region
Meet Nada Debs, one of the top product designers in the MENA region and what she is looking forward to this year.
This monolithic style home in Esfahan, Iran has a wall that encourages connection rather than separation
Blending traditional architecture with modern sensibilities, Seondoljung – the latest addition to the Hanok Heritage House – forges connections between the past and present
The 3-day conference is focused on shaping the region’s design sector and will run from 18-20 February
Insights by Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal