Latest news with #KhadijaAlBastaki
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
Hi Dubai
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Design District Marks Decade of Creativity and Announces Major Expansion
Dubai Design District (d3) celebrated more than a decade of driving creative excellence with a special event, 'Beyond a Decade of Design,' highlighting its impact on establishing Dubai as a global hub for design and innovation. Part of TECOM Group PJSC, d3 used the occasion to unveil ambitious plans for expansion, announcing over 500,000 of new premium spaces to meet growing demand from leading global companies. Representing an AED825 million investment, the project will offer LEED-certified office spaces with views of the Burj Khalifa and is scheduled for completion by the first half of 2028. The event also saw the launch of the d3 Design Award, a new platform to recognize and celebrate creative talent across the region, further reinforcing d3's commitment to nurturing innovation. Since opening in 2015, d3 has built a thriving community of more than 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals, contributing significantly to Dubai's knowledge economy. The upcoming development will add sports facilities, community spaces, fine dining options, and an extended promenade, enhancing the district's appeal as a lifestyle destination. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, emphasized the district's role in advancing Dubai's global standing in design and innovation, aligned with key government strategies including the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' and the Design Sector Strategy 2033. With its latest expansion, d3 aims to strengthen its position as a leading creative destination, continuing its legacy of supporting the region's talent and vision for the future. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Design District (d3) celebrates milestone anniversary
Dubai Design District (d3), the global creative ecosystem that is part of Tecom Group PJSC, held a celebratory event to mark more than a decade of enabling design excellence. d3 hosted global industry leaders during 'Beyond a Decade of Design', a special event reflecting on its role in cementing Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and design since opening its doors in 2015. During the event, d3 highlighted its upcoming expansion project, comprising more than 500,000 of new premium spaces, to serve growing customer demand including from top-tier global companies. Also marking the occasion, the district launched the d3 Design Award, a prestigious new award platform to celebrate industry talent in the region. 'Dubai Design District (d3) was founded with a vision to transform regional design prowess into globally impactful results, and over the past decade, has enriched Dubai's knowledge economy by championing creativity and innovation,' said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3) part of Tecom Group. 'd3's pivotal expansion project will uphold our community's legacy of welcoming, nurturing, and amplifying design excellence, cementing Dubai's position as a global destination for design, creativity, and innovation, in line with Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, and Design Sector Strategy 2033.' d3, one of Tecom Group's most sought-after specialised districts, was launched with the vision of empowering regional talent to play a defining role in strengthening Dubai's knowledge economy. In the decade since it opened for business, the district's community has grown to include more than 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals. d3's upcoming expansion will play a vital role in serving demand from global customers in the design, fashion, and creative industries. The project, which includes the development of six Grade-A office buildings, will add more than 500,000 of gross leasable area (GLA) to the district, cementing d3 appeal as the destination of choice for creative minds from around the world. Representing an investment of Dh825 million, the new development, which was announced by Tecom Group in August 2024, will feature office spaces built in line with LEED certification standards, offering stunning views of the Dubai skyline including the iconic Burj Khalifa, and is set for completion by H1 2028. The project will also include sports facilities, community spaces, ample parking, fine dining options, and an extended promenade, complementing the surrounding residential developments. Nurturing future talent Reaffirming its commitment to nurturing creative and innovative designers, the district announced the launch of the d3 Design Award to recognise exceptional design talent each year. Designers who live in the region will be eligible to enter the new awards, with the inaugural winner to be announced during Dubai Design Week in November. Also as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, d3 will publish a specially curated commemorative illustrated book this year to showcase the city's most talented and inspiring design minds. A memento that celebrates regional creativity, the book will be distributed at global design events to highlight the work and ideas of talented Emirati designers. d3 is today home to three academic institutions and hosts more than 100 events each year, including globally impactful platforms such as Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week. Home to in5 Design, the sector-focused vertical of Tecom Group's in5 incubator, the district has also supported more than 120 start-ups in the design sector since its inception. Dubai Design District (d3) is part of Tecom Group's portfolio of business districts, which also includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Science Park.
Emirates Woman
04-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
6 women of influence in the UAE on being resilient in tough times
In March's – The Resilience Issue , we ask six women of influence in the UAE to share the best advice on being resilient in tough times. Khadija Al Bastaki SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT (D3), PART OF TECOM GROUP PJSC What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Resilience is not solely a show of strength but one of agility and creative thinking. Your willingness to adapt to new situations, particularly with a positive, solution-oriented attitude, will ensure that every outcome is in your favour. Make your plans, but gift yourself the freedom of flexibility. This is the outlook I bring to Dubai Design District (d3). Our community and industry evolve so rapidly that we always need to keep evaluating our journey and making necessary adjustments. Who to you displays great resilience? Our extraordinary creative community at d3 is resilience exemplified. From business leaders propelling Dubai's creative economy and entrepreneurs driving innovation to professionals and students shaping the future of design, each member of our community demonstrates outstanding fortitude and foresight that are putting our city on the global creative map. I'm always in awe of their passion and can-do attitude, and this is resilience to me. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? In challenging times, I lean on my communities. I find power and resilience in my valued relationships, whether those we've nurtured in d3, which are a constant source of inspiration and insight, my female networks that empower and uplift me, or my family, who are a pillar of strength. Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid AlMaktoum FOUNDER – TASHKEEL STUDIO AND GERBOU RESTAURANT What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Resilience is about trusting the process. It's understanding that challenges are not roadblocks, but part of the journey. The best advice I can give is to stay adaptable, embrace change, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with purpose. Re- silience is built in the quiet moments, in the discipline of showing up even when the out- come is uncertain. Creativity, whether in art, design, or food, demands resilience because it thrives on evolution. The key is to remain open to growth, to listen, and to refine without losing sight of why you started. Who to you displays great resilience? I find resilience in the artisans, the makers, the creatives who dedicate themselves to their craft despite uncertainty. Whether it's a designer working with raw materials, a chef refining a dish, or an artist shaping an idea, resilience is embedded in the process. It's about persistence, about staying committed even when the path isn't clear. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? Resilience, for me, comes from grounding myself in purpose. In difficult times, I return to the core of what I do, whether it's through the design work at Tashkeel or the culinary storytelling at Gerbou. Surrounding myself with a community of thinkers, makers, and doers reminds me that resilience isn't about enduring alone; it's about building something meaningful together. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi PRESIDENT – AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Resilience is about endurance, not just enthusiasm. It's easy to start strong, but the real test is whether you can keep going when things get tough. Challenges aren't signs of failure; they're opportunities to grow, adapt, and discover your true strength. My advice? Own your story. That means accepting the highs and the lows, the successes and the setbacks, without letting any single moment define you. Resilience comes from recognising that challenges are chapters, not the whole book. When you take ownership of your journey, its lessons, struggles, and growth, you build the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what. Who to you displays great resilience? His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi is a powerful role model of resilience for me. He faced immense challenges at every step while pursuing his vision, yet his determination never wavered. Sharjah's global reputation as a cultural center did not emerge overnight. He built it through years of dedication, perseverance, and tireless effort–brick by brick, event by event, one university and institution at a time. Every time I face a challenge, I think about his journey, reminding myself that resilience is about persistence, vision, and the courage to keep moving forward. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? Knowing my purpose helps me stay the course during rough patches. In difficult times, I focus on what I can control: my mindset, my response, and my next step forward. Obstacles aren't the end of the road. They're part of the journey. Flexibility is key. Sometimes resilience means standing firm. Other times it means adapting and finding a new way forward. It's also about connection. Having the right people around you, those who remind you of your strength when you start to doubt yourself. Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (SIFF) What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Resilience isn't about avoiding challenges but embracing them as part of growth. The best advice I can give is to cultivate adaptability – things rarely go as planned, but if you stay open to change, you'll find new paths forward. Build a strong support network, take care of your well-being, and develop a sense of purpose. In my work with children and youth, I see firsthand how creativity fosters resilience. Storytelling, whether through film or other forms, allows young people to process experiences, reimagine possibilities, and find their own voices. Who to you displays great resilience? Young filmmakers inspire me daily with their resilience. Many face personal struggles, limited resources, or societal barriers, yet they channel their stories into powerful films. I've seen youth use filmmaking to navigate grief, advocate for change, and express joy despite adversity. Their ability to transform challenges into art is a testament to human strength. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? I remind myself why I do what I do–working with young people and storytelling is deeply meaningful to me. I also lean on community, whether through my team, peers, or the young creatives I support. Taking a step back, engaging in something creative, or simply finding moments of stillness helps me regain perspective. Resilience isn't about pushing through alone – it's about finding ways to recharge and move forward with purpose. Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi CHAIRPERSON – SHARJAH BUSINESS WOMEN COUNCIL (SBWC) What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Resilience is about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. The best advice I can give is to remain adaptable and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles. Every setback is a lesson, and persistence is key to moving forward. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and always keep your long-term vision in mind. Who to you displays great resilience? I am deeply inspired by women entrepreneurs who transform challenges into successes. Their ability to innovate, persevere, and lead with confidence is a testament to true resilience. In the UAE, we see remarkable women who balance business, family, and personal aspirations while contributing to the economy. Their unwavering determination is what drives progress. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? During challenging times, I remind myself of the purpose behind my work. Staying focused on the bigger picture helps me navigate difficulties with clarity and determination. I also believe in continuous learning–seeking knowledge, advice, and new perspectives strengthens resilience. Most importantly, resilience comes from self-belief and the willingness to adapt. Challenges may test us, but they also refine our strength. Asma Hilal Lootah FOUNDER – THE HUNDRED WELLNESS CENTRE What advice would you give on cultivating resilience? Life can often throw curve balls at you, and it is not always easy to be strong and resilient. Personally, however, whenever I face challenges, I remind myself that God is on my side. No matter how difficult life seems to be, I always remind myself that God has got my back and that the challenges I face are because He's trying to teach me something, if I just listen carefully to hear what Oprah Winfrey calls 'the life whisperers'. My favourite affirmation is from Louise Hay. It is 'Everything is working out for my highest good and out of this experience only good will come.' I pray a lot during difficult times, and this coupled with my affirmation ensures I stay strong and am steadfast in my belief that I will emerge from any negative experience not only stronger but with something good to show for it. Who to you displays great resilience? The women of the UAE, both past and present. Our mothers and grandmothers lived in very hard conditions before the union and before the economy experienced any sort of boom. They got married at a very young age, raised a lot of children alone without lots of help, and were never encouraged to express how they feel. Few had the chance to go to formal schools and even fewer knew how to read or write. They are the embodiment or resilience in my eyes. Indeed, I salute them and thank them for building great generations of strong men and women. How do you tap into resilience during challenging times? I reframe the way I think about challenging situations but first I allow myself to feel all the feelings I want to feel. Then I remind myself that I am safe and that this shall pass. Life has proven to me time and time again that everything works out – and in many cases even better – than I imagined. So, I remind myself how life unfolded for me thus far and pray and speak my affirmation. I also always ask myself how I can take this tough time and turn it into an opportunity for growth. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram March's – The Resilience Issue – Download Now Images: Supplied
