Latifa bint Mohammed Visits 11th Edition of ‘Downtown Design’ Event

Photo : Dubai government media office

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, visited the 11th edition of *Downtown Design*, which took place from November 6 to November 9. The event, a key part of *Dubai Design Week*, is considered the leading platform for contemporary design in the Middle East. It was organized in partnership with the Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Culture, and attracted designers, creators, and artists from around the world.

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In her address during the visit, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa highlighted how *Downtown Design* captures the creative energy and distinct identity of Dubai. She praised the exhibition’s ability to push the boundaries of innovation and its consistent role in offering designers and artists a space for dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas. 

"Downtown Design has become a pillar for the arts and design community, establishing a vibrant platform where creators can exchange insights and transform their concepts into works of outstanding creativity," said Sheikha Latifa. She continued, emphasizing that the event’s role within *Dubai Design Week* is key to nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem in the city. She also noted that the exhibition empowers designers, providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to showcase their work to a global audience, driving entrepreneurship, and opening doors to investment opportunities. Sheikha Latifa underlined that such initiatives are integral to reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for the creative economy.

During her tour of the exhibition, Her Highness explored a wide range of innovative artworks and designs that highlighted Dubai’s diverse cultural heritage. She expressed her admiration for the exhibition's steady growth and success over the years. Among the exhibits that particularly caught her attention was the *Designers from the Emirates* showcase, curated by Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg. The display featured the work of more than 30 emerging designers from the UAE and its residents, including furniture and product designs. Sheikha Latifa engaged with several designers, offering encouragement and insight into their work while expressing her appreciation for the quality and creativity of their designs.

Her Highness also connected with exhibitors from renowned international brands, who presented a wide array of creative concepts, interactive spaces, and innovative displays. One of the highlights of the exhibition was a focus on cross-cultural collaborations, showcasing works that blend global craftsmanship and creative traditions. Among the special initiatives was *Designed in Saudi Arabia*, a project by the Design and Architecture Committee of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture. This initiative focused on the country’s rich design scene and was displayed at the exhibition. Another notable exhibit was *Interior Designs from Spain*, which featured the work of ten Spanish companies in a curated presentation by the B8 Architecture and Design studio based in Dubai. 

Additionally, Her Highness visited the Tanween programme for 2024, which highlighted the work of emerging UAE designers. This programme serves as a platform to support new talent in the design world, offering them the opportunity to display their creations to an international audience. Sheikha Latifa also visited the inaugural *Editions Fair*, the first fair in the Middle East dedicated exclusively to limited-edition art and design. The fair blended high-quality craftsmanship with innovative artistic approaches and featured both emerging and established artists and designers. 

During her visit to the fair, Sheikha Latifa met with Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah, who presented her new collection celebrating the 10th anniversary of her studio. She also interacted with Iwan Maktabi, who introduced a new series of limited-edition carpets designed by renowned artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim.

*Downtown Design* stands out not only for its impressive range of displays but also for its dynamic programming. The exhibition includes dialogue sessions and workshops led by prominent design experts, adding to its reputation as a key event for creativity and innovation in the region. The event’s interactive experiences and exhibitions invite public engagement, making it a significant part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in global design and creative industries.