Dubai, UAE, 18 April 2024: Dubai Design District (d3), the global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group PJSC, this week expanded its profile in Italy by organising its first-ever networking and knowledge-sharing event in Milan. The event was held in collaboration with Milano Durini Design Association (MDD), with whom d3 signed a strategic partnership in November last year during Dubai Design Week.

Hosted on the sidelines of the prestigious Milan Design Week, the networking breakfast welcomed leading design thinkers, businesses, and experts to address the latest opportunities, priorities, and challenges emerging for the design sector. The event was held in the presence of Massimo Salamone, President and Founder of Milano Durini Design Association, and Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3.  

d3’s strategic partnership with Milano Durini Design Association aims to promote insight exchange between the two creative hubs. Combining the power and expertise of some of Milan’s most prestigious design brands based in MDD Association with d3’s diverse and global creative community, the partnership raises the bar for design excellence through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“The event comes as part of an overarching effort to open a gateway for Italian creative talent and businesses to tap into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through d3 and raise the profile of Dubai’s creative ecosystem in international markets, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for the design and creative industries.  

This inaugural event, taking place at an important moment in the global design calendar, represents the first official gathering of the two design communities to share knowledge, insight and connections to address the evolution of the industry.

“Hosting our first international event in Milan, a city known for its rich design heritage and innovation, marks a major milestone for d3 and Dubai,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3 – TECOM Group. “Amid all the excitement and energy known of Milan Design Week, we brought together the creative community to discuss how collaboration can power design in the digital era while shedding light on the wealth of opportunities available in Dubai and our region. It was a remarkable way to bring d3 to the world, connect with inspiring design stakeholders, and demonstrate our commitment to fostering collaboration and creativity on a global scale.”

Massimo Salamone, President and Founder of Milano Durini Design Association, said, “We are very honoured to host d3, excellently represented by Khadija Al Bastaki and her team. We are equally pleased to continue our active collaboration born in November 2023 in Dubai. Here in Milano, this moment reinforces the internationalisation process undertaken for the MDD association and converges in broad development possibilities for associated companies and for MDD partners, exporters of beauty and lifestyle among the most exclusive in the world.”

The event took place at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Milano, a former 15th-century convent at the heart of the city’s creative district.

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.