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Mid East Info
01-08-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MAKE and Khalifa Fund launch the 5th Cohort of Athath Fellowship 2025 to empower the new generation - Middle East Business News and Information
Abu Dhabi – MAKE has launched its 5th cohort of the Athath Fellowship 2025 , in partnership with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, inviting all next-gen aspiring furniture entrepreneurs to reimagine the world of furniture design. The application call, launched last month, welcomed those who view furniture as a functional design, and the selected applicants are interviewed in June 2025. Every phase of the programme is dedicated to unraveling unique skills and visionary ideas. Hosted by MAKE at their facility in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, from July to 11 October 2025, the programme is structured in three distinct phases and will combine 8 training -sessions to equip aspiring creatives in furniture design with the tools to launch and grow their businesses. From shifting the mindset to entrepreneurial thinking, to mastering the Business Model Canvas, operational planning, pricing, branding, and digital marketing, each session offers practical insights led by industry experts. The programme also covers growth strategies and the essentials of setting up a business legally in the year's edition is supported by Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, whose mission aligns with the fellowship's goal of empowering emerging entrepreneurs and building a dynamic, innovation-driven ecosystem. This edition will bring together a new generation of talents committed to shaping the regional dialogue on aesthetics, functionality, and innovation in modern furniture design. Khalifa Fund's support also emphasises the fellowship's commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering commercially sustainable design practices in the UAE. Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: 'We are proud to support Athath Fellowship 2025 as part of our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent in the creative industries. This programme not only empowers young designers with the tools and knowledge to thrive, but also aligns with our broader vision of enabling sustainable, design-led enterprises that contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Talal AlAnsari, General Manager of MAKE, added: 'This version of the programme, developed in partnership with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, is rooted in cultural relevance, functional design, and commercial appeal, focusing on creating furniture pieces that are market-ready and meaningful. It welcomes all participants with the skills and mindset to become entrepreneurs in the world of furniture design, providing a launchpad for their careers in furniture making and design innovation. We aim to build a future where design enhances our lives, and each piece of furniture becomes a living example of creativity and practicality.'At the conclusion of the cohort, participants will present their completed prototypes at Dubai Design Week in November 2025. This showcase will celebrate their creative achievements and offer invaluable exposure, connecting emerging designers directly with decision-makers, private clients and the community of interiors, architecture, and product innovation. By backing programmes that blend creativity with business acumen, Khalifa Fund and MAKE continue to nurture a new generation of talent, contributing to the 'UAE's vision of a diversified and innovative-driven economy. About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: The Khalifa Fund is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Government. Its mission is to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UAE through a balanced ecosystem. Founded in 2007, the Fund was established to align with the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. About MAKE: MAKE is a part workshop, lab, studio, and garage, with a diverse range of offerings focused on building creative skills and process learning in making, design, engineering, and art, supported by a wide range of professional-grade machinery, tools and setup. We are a community of entrepreneurs and experimenters, designers and artists, DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, learners, and doers. MAKE's mission is to create and support a new culture of making in Abu Dhabi and provide a growing community of makers with the resources and knowledge required to turn their ideas into reality. At MAKE, our mission is built on two core pillars: enabling the makers' community through our makerspace and its services, and building community capabilities through educational offerings. We welcome makers of all ages and capabilities, from absolute beginners to professional designers. It's a place for young minds and old hands, where people with different levels of creative ability and knowledge come together to make their ideas real.
Gulf Today
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
11th edition of Dubai Design Week takes stage on November 4-9 at d3
Dubai Design Week (DDW) will celebrate its 11th edition from November 4-9 under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of Dubai Council. The region's leading design festival and an annual celebration of creativity and culture, DDW is held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture. DDW 2025 coincides with the UAE's 'Year of Community'; this year's programme therefore reflects the theme through a focus on social cohesion, participation and shared experiences. Design will be explored not only as a practice of innovation, but as a social connector and as a civic and cultural tool that can shape how we live together, communicate, and build caring systems. Since 2015, DDW has grown into a global platform with an emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and on amplifying voices from West and South Asia, as well as the wider Global South (encompassing countries in Africa, Latin America, most of Asia and Oceania). Through exhibitions, fairs, large-scale installations, talks and workshops, the festival engages with contemporary narratives, creating a space for dialogue, experimentation and progress, harnessing its position as a regional melting pot and creative hub. Welcoming designs at Dubai Design Week. Key venues are located across d3, the global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art. This year's highlights include Urban Commissions, DDW's annual competition, open to proposals from global practices, giving international architects and designers an opportunity to shape public spaces through community-driven design. Under the theme 'Courtyard', Urban Commissions calls on practitioners to reflect on a shared spatial form and explore its multifaceted role as a gathering place and community-led urban infrastructure. Abwab, meaning 'doors' in Arabic, is a long-running feature at DDW. Newly expanded to welcome applicants from across West, South and East Asia, as well as the African continent which are often unrepresented or unrepresented on global platforms, this year's theme, 'In the Details', invites practitioners to create immersive spatial experiences, engaging with historic cultural forms. Exhibitions serve as a platform for cultural organisations, educational institutions, collectives and individual designers to express cultural, social and environmental perspectives, showcasing cutting-edge design solutions across disciplines. Linda Nieuwstad's floral installation. Outdoor installations from designers, architects, collectives, creative practitioners, and design-led brands, will explore design's potential to foster inclusive, community-focused environments through the use of sustainable and socially responsible methods and materials. The festival's programme of workshops will be held at Maker Space, offering visitors of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to engage and experiment with a diverse range of artistic mediums. Alongside, the activations programme will unveil innovative and immersive projects, cross-disciplinary collaborations, pop-ups, and special presentations. Marketplace offers a curated retail experience featuring high-quality and original products by the region's best artisans, entrepreneurs and small businesses, alongside food experiences, children's activities and live performances. Downtown Design, the Middle East's leading fair for high-quality and contemporary design, returns to the d3 Waterfront Terrace (November 5-9), showcasing the latest collections and design innovations from around the world. Returning exhibitors including Lasvit, Kartell, Poltrona Frau, Obegi Home, Venini, and Vitra will present new concepts alongside new participants Roche Bobois, Stellar Works, FRAMA, Porada and Desalto. Designer duo Draga & Aurel will present a solo exhibition for Collectional, and French designer Stephanie Coutas will showcase high-end interiors and collectible design pieces. The fair will feature experiential concepts and immersive installations including the Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot and a pop-up collaboration between Buccellati and design studio david/Nicolas. The Forum returns with live talks and keynotes, headlined by Tom Dixon, who makes his Dubai debut. Installations at Dubai Design Week, 2024. At the heart of Downtown Design, the UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, returns with an evolved format after five editions, expanding mentorship for emerging creatives and international showcase opportunities. Following a successful debut in 2024, Editions, the region's first fair dedicated to limited-edition art and design, will take place November 6-9, with a preview on November 5, at the d3 Waterfront Terrace. It will showcase 50 local and international galleries, design studios and collectives across a diverse range of mediums including artist multiples, ceramics, photography, works on paper, prints, editions, and contemporary design. The 2025 d3 Architecture Exhibition, organised by d3 in partnership with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) aligns with DDW's theme in response to the UAE's 'Year of Community' initiative and will take place in a dedicated space in the creative district. Rooted in the UAE's values of resilience, ambition and openness, the Year of Community is dedicated to fostering a united and empowered society, aiming to strengthen family and social ties and unlock potential for sustainable growth. A scene from Dubai Design Week 2024. Reflecting Dubai's position as the design capital of the Middle East, DDW's varied programmes which include installations, new commissions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, a marketplace, the leading fair for contemporary design, Downtown Design and the Middle East's first limited-edition art and design fair, Editions, will enhance Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, is a global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art, offering a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, and art and design studios. Dubai Culture is committed to enriching Dubai's cultural ecology based on the UAE's heritage, and builds bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures.
Time Out Dubai
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai Design Week 2025: Return dates, what to expect and theme revealed
Dubai Design Week is set to return for its 11th edition this year, and it looks like it will be bigger than ever. Running from Tuesday November 4 to Sunday November 9, Dubai Design Week will feature a line-up of top designers, emerging talent and eye-catching public installations. Bringing some of the best designers from around the world into the same space as some emerging artists, the theme of this year will be 'Community', as a response to the UAE's Year of Community. If you like reading this: 7 things to do for an immediate serotonin boost in Dubai The Waterfront Terrace in d3 will play host to design, fashion, architecture and art exhibitions during the week. Instagram-friendly outdoor installations from designers, architects, collectives, creative practitioners and design-led brands will explore the overarching theme of community. If you fancy getting involved in the action, then there will be a programme packed with workshops at Maker Space which will offer visitors of all ages and skill levels a challenge. Editions, a limited-edition art and design fair, will take place between Thursday November 6 and Sunday November 9. It will showcase work from 50 local and international galleries, design studios and collectives. Credit: Dubai Design Week 2024 Supporting local designers, a marketplace will be constructed for the week, allowing producers to showcase and sell everything from homeware to jewellery and fashion. Keeping all the family entertained, the market will boast some food experiences, children's activities and live performances too. As part of the annual Urban Commisions competition, Dubai Design Week has also invited designers and architects to develop outdoor furniture for public spaces, which could be made into a reality if the design is a winner. The Abwab initiative will also return and feature emerging talent from West, South and East Asia as well as Africa. This year Abwab will follow the theme of 'In the Details'. You might also like: 11 must-see art shows in Dubai for 2024 Finally, the week will host a series of exhibitions to showcase new talent, as well as talks from leading international experts in design. If you want to get involved and participate in Dubai Design week, you are encouraged to apply on the official website. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 8 blingy things to do in Dubai if you want to show off We get it, you've got some showing off to do From beaches to mountains: 16 must-visit sunrise spots in the UAE It's worth being an early bird for these views Coming soon: The most anticipated restaurant and bar openings in Dubai Get these hot spots on your radar
The National
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Dubai Design Week returns in November with a community focus
Dubai Design Week will return in November with a renewed emphasis on community. Running from November 4 to 9 at Dubai Design District (d3), this year's programme will look at ways of building more inclusive and connected communities. The theme aligns with the UAE authorities' designation of 2025 as the Year of Community. A varied line-up is expected to include large-scale exhibitions, public discussions and workshops exploring how design can foster social cohesion and shared civic life. A decade since its launch, this year's Dubai Design Week will be the biggest to date, with more venues added across d3, including the return of popular fixtures such as Downtown Design, Editions Art & Design and the UAE Designer Exhibition supported by Dubai Culture. The latter is being reformatted to highlight emerging talent. Among the initiatives is Urban Commissions, an international design competition inviting architects and designers to reinterpret the courtyard as a public space. Meanwhile, Abwab, the festival's curated pavilion series, expands its geographic scope this year to include works from West, South and East Asia, as well as Africa. Presented under the theme 'In the Details', the pavilions will explore ornamentation and material culture through spatial design. The 2025 d3 Architecture Exhibition, a collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects, will also be on site, with projects reflecting on how architecture can support community well-being. Editions, the region's only fair dedicated to limited-edition design and collectable art, is also returning. It will feature works from 50 regional and international galleries and studios across mediums, including ceramics, photography and contemporary design. The full programme – including keynote speakers, installations and featured designers – will be announced closer to the festival's opening date.
Emirates Woman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
Dubai Design District highlights massive expansion to celebrate its 10th anniversary
A decade of design brilliance was celebrated in style as Dubai Design District hosted industry luminaries for 'Beyond a Decade of Design'. In an exclusive event reflecting on its transformative role in positioning Dubai as a beacon of creativity, d3 hosted creative leaders in the region. Since its inception in 2015, d3 has evolved into a thriving nucleus of design, fashion, and innovation. The hub is now home to 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals. To mark this milestone, TECOM, d3's parent company, highlighted an expansion project announced by the company last August, which would add 500,000 of premium Grade-A office spaces. Through the initiative, d3 reinforces its status as the region's premier destination for design-led enterprises. 'd3 was conceived to elevate regional design onto the global stage, a vision now realized through a decade of relentless innovation,' said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, part of TECOM Group. 'This expansion underscores our commitment to nurturing creative excellence, aligning with Dubai's D33 Agenda, Creative Economy Strategy, and Design Sector Strategy 2033.' The AED 825 million expansion, set for completion by H1 2028, will introduce six LEED-certified office towers with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai's skyline. Enhanced amenities, including fine dining, community spaces, and an extended promenade, will further elevate the district's allure for global creatives. Spotlighting Future Talent In a move to champion emerging visionaries, d3 unveiled the d3 Design Award, an annual accolade honoring the region's most exceptional designers. The inaugural winner will be revealed at Dubai Design Week in November. Adding to the celebrations, a commemorative illustrated book will showcase the UAE's brightest design talents, serving as a testament to the district's influence. A Hub of Creative Momentum Beyond its architectural ambitions, d3 remains a key player in fostering talent. It houses three academic institutions, incubating 120+ start-ups through in5 Design. d3 also hold the legacy of hosting marquee events like Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week. As d3 embarks on its next chapter, it continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity, cementing Dubai's status as the undisputed capital of design innovation. For more information, visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
