Sheikha Latifa Inaugurates 11th Edition of ‘Downtown Design,’ Fostering Dubai’s Creative Economy

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, officially opened the 11th Downtown Design, which remains the primary event of Dubai Design Week, with the support of Dubai Design District (d3) and the Dubai Culture team. Held from November 6 to 9, the event is considered as the leading design event in the Middle East that gathers global creative industries to promote Dubai’s vibrant arts district.

Recalling the event’s impact, Sheikha Latifa pointed out that Downtown Design reflects the energy and originality of Dubai, and provides designers with tremendous opportunities for cooperation and for presenting their visions of the world’s design future. Said she: “Downtown Design is very significant in the context of the creative environment we cultivate in Dubai.” It enables designers to present their creations and seek new business and funding opportunities, while putting Dubai ahead of its competitors in the global creative industries.

While her visit, Sheikha Latifa mingled with designers of ‘Designers from the Emirates’ by Omar Al Gurg exhibit, which is a showcase of over 30 up and coming Emirati designers. She appreciated the creativity and quality of the designers and those designs which promotes culture and diversity.

She also initiated themes like ‘Designed in Saudi Arabia’ and ‘Interior Designs from Spain’, which was a celebration of intercultural imagination; and, the first Editions – a brand new section that will present Limited Edition art and design works. Celebrated Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah celebrated the 10 year anniversary of studio by presenting a collection while Iwan Maktabi showed carpets by artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim.

This year saw ideal opportunities for participation by members of the public, strengthening Dubai’s position as a center of the design industry in the Middle East – and a global design destination.