Dubai Design Week 2023 is almost here, set to populate the convulsing lanes of Dubai Design District with pop-ups and activities. This year the event’s forecasts project a bigger fair with a focus on sustainability and revival of Middle Eastern heritage. Each iteration so far has seen more brands participating for the annual fete, creating a dilemma for visitors (especially industry professionals) about where to mark their attendance.
Although, we realise making up an itinerary on the go has its own thrill, we have put together a list of the most exciting events taking place during Dubai Design Week 2023 below. Separated by three parameters, ‘Happening through the Week’, ‘One-time’ and ‘For Students’, you can use the list to pick and choose where you’d like to be depending on what catches your fancy. In addition, at the end of each description is the link to the particular event listing where you will have access to its exact location on Google Maps.
Ready, set, bookmark!
Happening through the Dubai Design Week 2023:
Harmonious Design by Bene
How Furniture, Lighting and Communication Technology Unite
When: 8th, 9th, 10th November; from 9AM to 11AM
Where: Bldg 2, Floor 2, Room 208
Reasons to attend: To witness the coming together of acoustics, lighting and furniture in offices and other work environments
This time around, office furniture brand Bene has collaborated with XAL (a manufacturer of high quality LED lighting systems) and JABRA (a Danish brand specialising in audio equipment and video conference systems) for Dubai Design Week 2023. The trio is set to showcase an installation that exemplifies the benefits of consciously planning furniture, acoustics and lighting in tandem with each other.
Visitors are free to drop by and closely examine the project through the week. But, Bene has also extended a daily breakfast briefing to curate dialogue around the topic (and of course, you are allowed to digress).
For More Details
Mini Golf by Shaw Contract
When: 8th, 9th, 10th November; from 10AM to 1PM & 2PM to 5PM
Where: Bldg 6B, Floor 1, Room 108
Reasons to attend: If you are a Golf Master (or would like to try your hand at being one)
It’s mundane to play golf on grass (real or artificial). To give the sport a makeover, Shaw Contract is hosting their very first Carpet Golf Masters at their showroom. Guests can play upto 5 holes (individually or as a team). Giveaways and refreshments shall also make rounds, and while you are over there do take a peek at the latest Floor Architecture III Collection by Shaw Contract.
Read detailed rules for the games here
Designing the Future at Design Week Breakfast by ISKU
When: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th November; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Bldg 4, Room 101B
Reasons to attend: If you like Design and Draws
ISKU & Secto Design are bridging innovation, artistry, and creativity at their premise. Get to the bottom of this collaboration by browsing through their repertoire and indulging with the brands over scrumptious breakfast treats. But make haste, a draw (with fabulous prizes) is linked to this event and attendees need to register before Monday, 6th November to try their luck.
Register Here
Wellness Lounge by Estilo Blanco Interiors
When: 9th November; 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Bldg 4, Floor 4, Room 401A
Reasons to attend: If Spas, Luxury and Healthy Bites are right in your alley
Known for their engineered stone and its sustainable benefits, Cosentino’s premium Dekton® range will stair in a Wellness Lounge at Dubai Design Week 2023.
In the set-up meticulously curated by Estilo Blanco Interiors, the Dekton® electric massage bed by C.O.D.E. (a luxury massage bed for spa and massage beds) will feature CoCo (a coffee table by Dutch furniture brand, QLIV) and Le Nena’s bespoke home décor pieces. The experience will be heightened by healthy bites and drinks, rejuvenating guests with a single visit.
Let Cosentino know you will be there
Object Carpet: Open Showroom at Occhio
When: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th 12th November; 10 AM to 7PM
Where: Occhio Store, Building 4 at Dubai Design District
Reasons to attend: You adore the Outdoor Life
This Dubai Design Week, step into German lighting brand Occhio GmbH’s showroom by Goettling Interiors not only for the sleek lighting solutions, but also for OBJECT CARPET’s new outdoor rug collection MEDITERRANEO. Designed by MATTEO THUN & PARTNERS with Antonio Rodriguez, this collection is fully recyclable, supple to touch and shines with right light with the outdoor furniture Loft by BLOOM Outdoor Möbel.
RSVP here
One time:
Happening on 8th November, 9th November, 10th November
(click on the date to skip to the day)
Breakfast at Porcelanosa by ICEX
“GRANDES on Green! Sustainable Practices in Hospitality”
When: 8th November; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Bldg 7B, Floor 4, Room 406
Reasons to Attend: To get a perspective on Sustainability in Hospitality from the Higher-Ups
ICEX has been creating engaging dialogues at Dubai Design Week for the past few years. For this iteration, the gargantuan exigency of ‘Sustainability in Hospitality’ will take centre-stage at the Porcelanosa showroom. Advocates of sustainability are invited to an open buffet breakfast and later, lend an ear to the discussion ensuing amongst top names in the hospitality industry.
Featuring: Gilbert Khalil, Director of Design & Technical Services at Sunset Hospitality; Laura Bielecki, Associate Director – Interior Design at Nakheel; Marta Gonzalez, Director of Interior Design at Accor; and Diane Thorsen, Design Director at Gensler
SteelVerse by Hidayath: Redefining Applications of Stainless Steel in Interiors & Architecture
When: 8th November; 12:30 PM onwards
Join the Force
Kvadrat X Humanscale: Textile Workshop
When: 8th November; 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Where: Bldg 3, Floor 6, Room 602
Reasons to Attend: The Tactility of Wool and Weaves
Wool is sustainable, but it is also flame retardant, resilient and elastic in nature. Acoustic brand, Kvadrat has partnered up with corporate furniture brand, Humanscale to explore the latter’s wool textile portfolio. Visitors are invited to experiment with the materials and examine its quality, potential and usage.
Unveiling the Art of Artificial Leather: From Production to Functionality | The Design Destination
When: 8th November; 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Bldg 7, Floor 1, Unit B 105
Reasons to Attend: If you hear ‘Modern’ and immediately think ‘Leather’
This exploration by The Design Destination will zero in on the increasing significance of artificial leathers across a wide spectrum of projects in the realms of hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces. Changes in design are ever-evolving and expertise in materiality can truly inform design decisions.
Attend the Programme
Culture and Crossover: The Synergy between Art, Photography and Interiors by Pinnacle Interiors
When: 8th November; 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Bldg 2, Floor 1, Room 104
Reasons to Attend: To know the difference art can make within a space
Patricia Millns, Elected Fellow Royal Society of Arts, London and Phil Handforth, Photographer will join Clara Voce, Creative Director at Pinnacle Interiors for a scintillating discussion at their D3 office. From delving into how regional and international art can transform spatial experience to discerning if Dubai can lead the world towards a future of artful interiors, each participant will express views and answer thought-provoking questions. The evening will conclude with Pinnacle Interiors’ Owner & Managing Director, Joseph Charles handpicking an artwork for their office.
Witness Creatives in the Throes of Discussion
Influence of Artificial Leathers in Furnishing Hospitality Projects | The Design Destination
When: 8th November, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Bldg 7, Floor 1, Unit B 105
Reasons to Attend: Understand the Power of Leather
Discover the unparalleled versatility of artificial leather. Gain firsthand experience of how this inventive material has the power to genuinely transform spaces with its charm in layering and prowess in imparting distinct character.
Explore Artificial Leather and its Wonders
Vitra Panel Talk
When: 8th November; 07:00PM – 9:00PM
Workplace Design Trends Seminar
When: 9th November, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Where: Bldg 1B, Floor 1, Room 105
Reasons to Attend: Understanding how you can help clients combat ‘Quiet Quitting’
Phil Pond, Future Strategist at Scarlet Opus will host a talk on Workplace Trends and present convincing arguments that will help clients see the benefits in allocating budgets to improve and optimise Workplace Design Projects. With Phil’s guidance, terms like increased productivity, employee engagement, and employee attrition rates will be contextualised with deeper research and theories.
Scarlet Opus, a Foresight+Trends Intelligence Agency works internationally with manufacturers, architects, and retailers.
Learn more about Workplace Design’s Revolutionary Era
A TRUE Design Classic Reimagined ft. Francesco Favaretto & Kvadrat
When: 9th November; 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Where: Bldg 1A, Floor 5, Room 512
Reasons to Attend: The Magic of Innate Simplicity and Upholstery
Well-known industrial designer, Francesco Favaretto, Creative Director of Studio Favaretto & Partners shall make an appearance at TRUE Design’s Concept-Space in d3. As the space will pay an ode to the Italian ‘savoir faire’ spirit, Francesco will address the brand’s OG Fender Collection that will be decked in Kvadrat fabrics for the occasion.
Vitra Panel Talk
When: 9th November; 07:00PM – 9:00PM
Around Design Opportunities in Saudi Arabia | Atlas Concorde
When: 9th November; 07:00PM – 10:00PM
Where: Near Akiba Dori in Bldg 8
Reasons to Attend: To Keep Up with the Wave
Atlas Concorde, one of the most reputed names in ceramic and porcelain tile collections, is hosting an interactive and intriguing event at Dubai Design Week 2023. It is no secret that Saudi Arabia posits itself as the most lucrative market for businesses, especially construction and design. Addressing the elephant in the room, Atlas Concorde is inviting designers from prominent Dubai firms to join talks about the Saudi Arabian path to expansion and discovering regional opportunities.
Who doesn’t like to be an Esoteric?
How to Forecast Design Trends Workshop with Teknion
When: 10th November; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Bldg 1B, Floor G
Reasons to Attend: To Learn Trend Forecasting
Have you ever wondered how trends emerge and how to catch hold of them before they become rife? Phil Pond, Future Strategist at Scarlet Opus has a daunting task at hand. He will be imparting knowledge and sharing a modus operandi that will enable all visitors to forecast trends.
Scarlet Opus, a Foresight+Trends Intelligence Agency works internationally with manufacturers, architects, and retailers.
Hospitality and Contract Fabrics: Technical, Functional and Cost- Effective Solutions | The Design Destination
When: 10th November; 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Bldg 7, Floor 1, Unit B 105
Reasons to Attend: To discover ways of creating budget-friendly hospitality spaces without compromising on design
The Design Destination is hosting an event to uncover the art of harmonising design quality, functionality, and monetary constraints. Join the team at their office to comprehend the nitty gritty details of specifying the right fabric for the correct purpose at affordable rates.
Pick Up a Few Tricks and Tips
Swisscotec Round Table: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
When: 10th November; 06:30 PM – 07:30 PM
Where: Bldg 8, Floor 1, Room 109
Reasons to Attend: To be a Better, More Conscious Design Professional
A reputable distributor in the Middle East, Swisscotec is showcasing a resolution towards the sensitised topic of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Dubai Design Week 2023. Panellists Chris Barnes, Pallavi Dean and Saeed Bin Shabib will join moderator Oliver Baxter, Workplace Consultant and Speaker, Maven in a thought-provoking discussion about making designing for ‘everyone’ uncompromisable.
Shoulder the Responsibility towards creating Inclusive Environments
For Students at Dubai Design Week 2023:
Setting the bar for Sustainability by Humanscale
When: 9th November; 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Where: Bldg 3, Floor 6, Room 602
Reasons to Attend: To Develop Critical think beyond Sustainable Certifications
Certificates, Labels, Credits, there is more to sustainability than just following the rules. Humanscale, the brand that has produced the most sustainable task chair in the world, will deliver a talk to design students spotlighting that global environmental hurdles can be overcomed effectively by going above and beyond, and not by only playing by the rules.
Discover What Practising Sustainability in Design Truly Means
Moodboard Workshop at Porcelanosa
When: 10th November; 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Where: Bldg 7B, Floor 4, Room 406
Reasons to Attend: Ace Moodboard-ing
Creating moodboards is the first step to convincing clients towards manifesting your design vision. Beyond theoretical knowledge, Porcelanosa aims to bring practical experiences to budding designers to smoothen the transition from academia. At the workshop, students will deal material samples from actual brands and mix-and-match to create a palette that is symbiotic and impressive.
Article info
Article:
Date added:
4 November, 2023
