Get Ready for Downtown Dubai 2019 ⇒ Recognised as the leading platform in the Middle East for original, high-quality design, Downtown Design unites international brands with the regional design community, strengthening Dubai as a central meeting point for creatives. As part of the programming of Dubai Design Week, the region’s largest creative festival, and in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), Downtown Design is housed within a bespoke structure overlooking the d3 Waterfront. This year the fair presents a fresh selection of brands and feature areas, providing a dynamic environment where design meets opportunity.
Installations will feature throughout the fair, highlighting design creativity from around the world: Preciosa will present their large-scale interactive installation Carousel of Light, technology artist Anthony James will bring his dynamic glass and LED sculpture Icosahedron and global architecture practice LWK+ Partners will present an interactive space that reflects both the heritage and modernity of the studio’s home base in China. Downtown Design’s Trade Programme continues to address the needs of the competitive design industry, helping members raise their profile and forge industry relationships. Featuring a series of networking events and privileges, designed to help design professionals make the most of the fair’s platform, it facilitates opportunities for architects and interior designers to connect with peers, brands and industry influencers.
For the 2019 showcase, Downtown Design has engaged three award-winning design teams to help to remaster the fair’s layout, executing concepts that demonstrate the sophistication of regional design firms. Wilson Associates, Swiss Bureau and XBD Collective have been tasked with bringing creative elements to the fair’s public areas, including the bar and the café. Key brands return to the fair including Arper, whose ranges are inspired by their design ethos, playing with the versatility of essential forms, and Atelier Swarovski, who will present a collaboration with Spanish designer Tomas Alonso.
Brands showcasing their designs to the Middle East for the first time include Pedrali, who will display their colourful, contemporary design furniture from Italy, Czech luxury crystal manufacturer Moser will be engraving personalized vases at their stand, North American brand Skram will launch a contemporary chair at the fair and Vicalvi will display their innovative and eco-friendly range of high-end floor & wall coverings. All forming part of a new generation of international brands looking to use Downtown Design’s platform to highlight their presence in the region.
In honour of the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, bespoke rug studio Hands will unveil a piece inspired by children’s artworks. The proceeds will benefit ‘Senses’, a charity of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
An increase in international initiatives is shown through the country pavilions, which this year expand to include France, presenting brands producing luxury furniture and accessories, and Spain, who will be showcasing brands which spotlight the manufacturing strengths of the country.
