Downtown Design, the anchor fair of Dubai Design Week, will return to Dubai Design District (d3) from November 5-9, 2025. This annual fair is designed to bring together a curated selection of global design brands and regional design studios, featuring emerging talent alongside established names. The fair strengthens Dubai’s position as a key hub for contemporary design in the Middle East, offering a platform for both collaboration and commercial opportunity.
Strategically partnered with d3 and supported by Dubai Culture, Downtown Design is set to highlight the rapidly evolving design landscape of the region. As Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, stated, Dubai plays an increasingly significant role in shaping a collaborative and innovative future through platforms like Downtown Design and Dubai Design Week.
Noteworthy Exhibitors and Regional Talent
International design heavyweights like Kartell and Poltrona Frau will return, showcasing new collections and collaborations. Meanwhile, Obegi Home will present an immersive multi-brand showcase of luxury living, and Venini will unveil a bespoke amber glass installation. Additionally, Roche Bobois, Draga & Aurel, Ceramicah, Flou, and Porada make their debut appearances, adding to the international flavour of the event.
Regional design talent will also shine, with MAKE, a platform empowering emerging designers in Abu Dhabi, presenting its Athath Fellowship cohort. The Tanween Design Programme by Tashkeel returns with nine new designers committed to sustainable design. Sharjah’s 1971 Design Space will showcase material innovation through the works of Egyptian designers Lina Ghalib and Nuhayr Zein.
A standout feature this year is Strata, a debut collection from Pakistan’s Saira Ahsan and Yousaf Shahbaz, and a collaboration by Doodle & The Gang with Hands Carpets from Egypt. The Designed in Saudi initiative also makes an appearance, marking a significant step for Saudi Arabia’s industrial design sector.
Talks, Masterclasses, and Workshops
The Forum at Downtown Design will once again be the focal point for keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses, gathering global and regional design figures. This year, Marcel Wanders and Tom Dixon—two of the most influential designers—will present their visions, alongside Lee Broom, Stephanie Coutas, and David Hicks. Rabah Saeid, Pallavi Dean, and Abdalla Almulla will represent the region, while prominent international studios like Bone, SAY Studio, and 1508 London also contribute to the lineup.
Other highlights include Ila Colombo’s AI-driven digital creations, and Antilla Di Lauro’s innovative ceramics and tapestries made from recycled materials. For the first time, Stellar Works will make its Dubai debut, presenting alongside Calico Wallpaper, in a space designed by Emirati architect Omar Al Gurg.