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We highlight designs from the UAE Designer Exhibition to Tashkeel's exhibition
While many of the world’s design events went virtual this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fifth iteration of Dubai Design Week – a festival that has quickly become one of the most sought-after events on the arts calendar in the Emirates – presented a combination of physical exhibitions and outdoor installations, bringing together international works and regional talent in addition to an online showcase of brands and talks, making the event accessible to a global audience.
Although many of the event’s extensions remained, this year’s Dubai Design Week focused less on beautiful distractions and more on hard realities – an approach that felt necessary in the wake of our current situation. Designers and architects responded to calls about the changing dynamics of public spaces and social interaction, the challenges of the current built environment on climate change and the environment, the social politics of the design industry and sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
A greater focus on locally-based designers also provided a deeper insight into the development of design in the UAE, where Emirati and expat designers and artists showcased works that explored local materials and techniques as well as themes such as identity, locality and context.
At a time when the global design community is working harder to respond to social and environmental issues, the 2020 edition of Dubai Design Week further confirmed the growing influence of the Middle East on the design map, and of a community that is questioning norms and exploring its own potential.
Here, identity highlights some of the most thought-provoking, exploratory and collaborative works that were showcased at this year’s Dubai Design Week.
Read more: Christopher Benton’s ‘How to Be at Rest’ installation challenges traditional perceptions of design
Carrie Das has completed a beachfront home that bridges Asia-inspired minimalism and touches of British heritage
The move marks a new chapter in the emirate’s role on the global art calendar.
Gaggenau’s new Expressive series draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles and the minimalism of modernist architecture
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
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
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
Casamia & Mustard & Linen host a cultural exchange celebrating Emirati Women’s Day
A family home in Almaty, Kazakhstan blends modern architecture, bespoke craftsmanship and global design icons
Mohamad Chehab, the general manager of Trend Group Middle East talks about the group's involvement in the Red Sea Projects
APE Grupo brings Spanish expertise to the Middle East with a flagship showroom designed for visionaries
Influenced by Art Deco design, Supreme by TREDEX now features a striking Matt Bourbon finish
Our cover features Gaggenau, a brand that embodies design for the truly discerning.