Close

Italian pavilion at Downtown Design hosts 20 leading companies

The latest interior design trends are also placed under the spotlight.

Visitors to Downtown Design have just one day left to visit the 330-square metre Italian pavilion – home to 20 leading Italian design companies, some exhibiting for the first time, who are using the fair to showcase their unique designs to decision makers from the GCC furniture market.

On display are unique pieces of furniture, fine objects, lightings, ceramics, glassware, tiles and recreational products from brands including Fantini Mosaici, Pinetti, Mabele by Ma-bo, Vetrogiardini and Zigflex by Salvadori. The pavilion has been organised by the Italian Trade Agency in partnership with CNA and Confartigianato (Italian Associations of Artisans and Small-Medium Enterprises).

According to His Excellency Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, “What strikes visitors to the Italian pavilion is the perfect fusion of art and functionality in the products displayed. Some of the designs are the result of research and collaboration between architects and designers, ensuring they are unique and contemporary. These designs are meant to transform living spaces, giving each home or office a touch of individuality. This is what makes ‘Made in Italy’ design items so popular in the GCC market.”

Trends being put under the spotlight at the Italian pavilion include the mix of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design; the use of materials such as marble, wood and crystal; the creative use of glass; designs made with unusual materials like lava; new forms and concepts created with old materials such as Murano glasses; and the clash of colours and shapes.

Her Excellency Valentina Setta, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, said: “This year’s Italian pavilion is an ode to design. Design is a representation of the world view and the times in which we live, and the participating designers have successfully created contemporary designs that speak to today’s consumers.”

Many of the participating companies have won international awards, some have exclusive partnerships with prestigious international interior design studios, hotel chains and fashion brands, and others have provided décor items and furniture that adorn the homes of VIPs and celebrities.

The Latest

What are the bathroom trends in 2025?

Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard unveil a fresh perspective on bathroom design for 2025

identity Design Awards 2025 | Submissions open

identity Design Awards 2025 is now open for submissions

Access our submissions link, criteria, deadlines, and checklist here.

A Sensory Escape

Soft pastels, natural materials and artistic craftmanship take centre stage at Villa Miraé

Things to Covet – Summer 2025

Here are the bold and statement pieces that caught our eye this month

A Ruin Turned Intimate Retreat

Tucked away in the Andalusian countryside near Gaucín, a small town located between Marbella and Gibraltar, Cortijo Genesis in Spain has recently been renovated by Victoria-Maria Geyer

A Parisian Touch

Interior designer Juliette Spencer of Atelier RO revives a storied pre-war apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with an elegant fusion of New York structure and French soul.

A Local Connection with a ‘70s Twist

Designed by Barcelona-based studio El Equipo Creativo, the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros hotel in Marbella, Spain is deeply inspired by Marbella’s rich landscape and cultural heritage.

Roar global consulting firm

A bold exploration of culture, nature, and the future of work by Roar

Roar has recently designed a new office for a global consulting firm that boldly reimagines the UAE's landscapes and cultural heritage into a workplace

Dare to be Bold

“No one does colour quite like Caroline Stanbury,” shares Kate Instone, Founder and Creative Director of Blush International

Zaha Hadid Foundation launches scholars program

The Zaha Hadid Foundation partners with the American University of Beirut to support the next generation of architectural talent.

Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum to open in December 2025

The Foster + Partners designed striking museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Culture & Conversations

identity hosted a roundtable and workshop in honour of Emirati Women's Day in collaboration with Casamia