Downtown Design 2022 to bolster booming Dubai design scene

(Image credit: press)

last updated 9 October 2022

Dubai’s rapidly growing economy has generated a new wave of opportunities and has had a direct knock-on effect on the local property market, with interior design one of many industries to benefit from this boom.

Downtown Design (9 – 12 November 2022) is the destination in the region for high-quality, contemporary design and attracts leading design professionals, industry decision-makers and buyers from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond. Now in its ninth year, the fair has established itself as the Middle East’s leading design event, its popularity – enhanced by sister event Art Dubai and a growing affluent audience – bolstering the already surging local design sector.

Pedrali at Downtown Design fair — Pedrali.

Brands, manufacturers, studios and individual designers from around the world participate in Downtown Design to gain commercial opportunity, enhance their visibility and brand awareness in the market, while accessing the most relevant audiences.

At the 2022 fair, major global names such as Cosentino, Fritz Hansen, Lasvit, Minotti and Pedrali will be exhibiting creative showcases and latest collections. CC-Tapis will unveil an exclusive collection of hand-knotted rugs by multidisciplinary designer Bethan Laura Wood, presented by Iwan Maktabi; Lutron is staging an interactive experience with architectural lighting; and VitrA will launch its collaboration with Tom Dixon in the Middle East. Parisian design gallery Anne Jacquemin Sablon will present pieces by interior designer Tristan Auer, among others; and Colombian textile studio Verdi is returning with a showcase of handcrafted pieces of rare natural fibres woven with metals.

Visitor at Downtown Dubai design fair — A visitor at Downtown Design

In the fair’s section dedicated to limited-edition design, Downtown Editions, renowned design gallery House of Today is showcasing works by Lebanese creatives Stephanie Moussallem and Roula Salamoun among others; emerging Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg will reveal a solo showcase of his brand Modu Method; and Kuwaiti designer Meshary AlNassar will present new collectible pieces using natural materials.

Visitors can also discover a curated selection of collectible design and craft pieces in dedicated exhibits from Egypt, Jordan and Uganda.

Dubai-based studio Monochrome Study for Downtown Design&nbsp;2021 — Dubai-based studio Monochrome Study for Downtown Design 2021

Alongside a week-long line-up of engaging talks and masterclasses, networking events and guided tours, this year’s edition of the fair will host a number of new features, including new programmes catering to specific audience categories and based on interests; an ambitious sustainability plan; and the main champagne lounge hosted by Veuve Clicquot, celebrating the maison’s 250th anniversary.

Downtown Design takes place from 9 – 12 November 2022 as the headline commercial event of Dubai Design Week, in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3). For more information on Downtown Design 2022, visit downtowndesign.com

aRE at Downtown Design&nbsp;2021 — aRE at Downtown Design 2021

Simon Mills is a journalist, writer, editor, author and brand consultant who has worked with magazines, newspapers and contract publishing for more than 25 years. He is the Bespoke editor at Wallpaper* magazine.