Close

Downtown Design to return with a physical exhibition in 2021

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 Latest

On Building to Last

We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects

The Culture of Quality

A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship

Soulful Sanctuary

Arch Home Interiors has crafted a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai Design District, creating an environment where movement meets self-care

Global Outlook, Local Presence

Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality Design Director for DLR Group, shares the firm’s growth journey in the region

Read ‘Greener Perspectives’ – Note from the editor – September 2025

Read identity magazine's September 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands

identity Design Awards 2025 jury

Meet the judges for the identity Design Awards 2025

Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards

Here are 14 Emirati women we admire in the design and creative industry

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries

Casa Cazaux

A Spanish Revival Reimagined in the Hollywood Hills

Casa Cazaux designed by Jordana Maisie Design Studio was inspired by Slim Aarons photography of post WWII Italian high society and Mediterranean-inspired coastal architecture

Kaskade by Karim Rashid for TREDEX Sara Group

TREDEX x Karim Rashid Introduce KASKADE

A Collection Where Flow Meets Form