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Held on 1 May 2024, the forum aimed at cultivating interior design excellence in Dubai
The inaugural Russian Design Forum took place in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for Russian-speaking interior designers, architects, and related suppliers in the UAE at the Ritz Carlton, JBR. The forum, held on May 1st, brought together industry professionals to exchange experiences, enhance service quality, and foster cultural development within the interior design landscape of the UAE.
The forum’s social significance lies in its commitment to nurturing the culture of interior design, elevating service standards, and facilitating knowledge exchange among designers and suppliers. Organized as an annual event, the Russian Design Forum aims to become a cornerstone in UAE’ design community calendar.

Olga Melnikova, the head of OL Interior company and a prominent figure in the Emirates’ designer community through DUBAIDISINT, spearheaded the event. Supported by Art de Vivre as the general sponsor, along with sponsors like Obegi, Finex, GS Itslia, Garda decor, Creative Wrap Solutions, Yana Svetlova Wallcoverings, Atis&Alterna, the forum received robust backing from industry leaders.
Held at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton JBR, the forum featured top experts as speakers, including Legal Consultant Aiman Eskaraeva, Creative Producer Igor Popov, Editor of identity Aneesha Rai, Malika Nur, Diana Balashova, Real Estate Broker Alexey Gorbachev, Architect Olesya Levkovich, Kamilla Amirkhanova, and Interior Designer Ekaterina Patalina. These esteemed speakers shared invaluable insights and advice on navigating the design and business landscape in the UAE.

Interior Designer Ekaterina Patalina
The event saw active participation from the Russian-speaking designers and architects community in the UAE, primarily represented by the DUBAIDESINT Telegram channel. Established a year and a half ago, DUBAIDESINT has played a pivotal role in advancing the quality and standards of the design market in the country, making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and development.
The Russian Design Forum not only served as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking; but also underscored the collaborative spirit and dedication of the design community towards excellence in interior design in Dubai and beyond. As the forum looks forward to its future editions, it aims to continue its mission of fostering creativity, innovation, and professional growth within the vibrant design ecosystem of the UAE.
Images courtesy OL Interiors
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