Dubai Design District has opened submissions for the first edition of the d3 Awards, a new regional initiative spotlighting emerging designers from the MENA region. Launching as part of its Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations, the awards aim to recognise innovation and excellence in the evolving creative landscape. The debut edition will focus on architecture, spanning interior and exterior spaces as well as immersive environments. The winner will receive a prize of AED 100,000, with the results revealed during Dubai Design Week from 4–9 November 2025.
Encouraging Innovation and Creative Growth
The d3 Awards will highlight material exploration, human-centred design, and forward-thinking approaches that inspire new perspectives. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, said: “The d3 Awards marks a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent and showcasing the industry’s brightest minds. Through platforms such as Dubai Design Week, our ecosystem is promoting talent from the region and encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through design expertise. The inaugural d3 Awards strengthens our contribution towards Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and Design Sector Strategy 2033, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for design excellence. We invite the region’s brightest design talent to showcase their creativity through the d3 Awards.”
Application Process and Future Editions
Applications are open to architects and designers specialising in interiors, landscapes, and spatial design. Eligible applicants include final-year students and professionals with up to five years of practice who are residents or citizens of the MENA region. Individuals, duos, or collectives of up to four members can submit conceptual entries by 17 October 2025 via www.d3awards.com. Shortlisted projects will be showcased alongside the d3 Architecture Exhibition, organised with the Royal Institute of British Architects during Dubai Design Week. Proposals will be judged on originality, practicality, accessibility, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Looking ahead, future editions will broaden to other design disciplines such as product design, fashion, digital design, and design for social impact, ensuring the platform evolves with the region’s diverse creative talent.