About the Event
This November, as part of the programming for the 10th anniversary edition of Dubai Design Week, d3 and Isola Design Group will bring a significant new addition to the calendar: a forward-thinking exhibition entitled Design Next.
The first-of-its-kind exhibition in the UAE, which will focus on the circular economy, will present ideas and concepts by an inspiring mix of independent designers and studios, innovative sustainable brands and eco-friendly companies.
The showcase aims to inspire a new mindset in sustainable design and be a platform for promoting environmentally positive changes in lifestyle and consumption habits, curating sustainable design products, circular furniture, design technologies, startups and innovative materials.
Beyond the concepts on view to the public, the event will also present a dynamic and engaging platform of talks, presentations and interactive experiences to raise awareness for the circular economy and inspire visitors to play a greater part in shaping a sustainable world.
Talks Programme
06 November
2pm to 2:45pm
Content vs. Form: Intersections of Design, Art, and Technology
As the lines between design, art, and technology blur, the debate over content versus form takes center stage. Speakers will discuss how these fields intersect to create meaningful experiences, challenging traditional boundaries and redefining aesthetics. The focus will be on how blending content and form can spark innovation and inspire new ways of thinking in today’s creative world.
Moderator:
Philipp Mistakópulo, Commercial Director, The Sandy Times
Speakers:
Polina Orekhova, Chief Marketing Officer, CIFRA
Tim Maiwald, Creative Director, SM(T)S — So Much (Trash)® Studio
Mariana Wehbe, Founder & CEO, We Design Beirut
Levent Soydaner, VP - Strategy & Product Development, TECOM Group
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3pm to 3:45pm
The Role of Design Brands in Driving the Industry Towards a Better Future
Dive into how design brands are playing a key role in creating a more conscious future for the industry. Our speakers from leading international design brands will examine the ways in which they are influencing consumer behaviour, promoting ethical practices, and leading in the integration of circular materials and innovative processes.
Moderator:
Sara Banti, Managing Editor, Abitare
Speakers:
Justine Welch, Regional Sales Director – Middle East+India, Arper
Dr. Sergio Padula, Technical Director Middle East & English Speaking Africa, iGuzzini
Esra Lemmens, Design Strategist and PR Executive, Esra Lemmens
Ralf Steinhauer, Global Hospitality Director, RSP Architects
Eddy Abou Khalil, Regional Director Middle East & India, Cosentino
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4pm to 4:45pm
Behind the project: The award-winning UAE National Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring prominent figures in the region’s architectural and design landscape. Wael Al Awar (National Pavilion UAE Curator of Wetland at La Biennale Architettura 2021), and Nada Taryam (Chief Real Estate Officer at Bee’ah), moderated by Azza Aboualam (National Pavilion UAE Curator at La Biennale Architettura 2025), will examine how local knowledge, innovative materials, and environmental conditions are influencing the future of sustainable architecture in the UAE.
Moderator:
Azza Abouallam, Assistant Professor, Zayed University Dubai | Curator, National Pavilion UAE 2025
Speakers:
Wael Al Awar, Founder and Principal Architect, waiwai
Nada Taryam, CEO - Real Estate ,BEEAH Group
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5pm to 5:45pm
The Future of Sustainable Design: From Material Innovation to Circular Systems
Beyond the traditional focus on eco-friendly materials, interior and architectural designers are now embracing fully circular systems and regenerative design to extend the lifecycle of spaces and structures. This panel explores forward-thinking concepts such as bio-inspired materials that mimic nature’s resilience, like self-repairing surfaces and regenerative facades, as well as adaptive structures that respond to environmental changes, allowing interiors to evolve with minimal waste.
Moderator:
Vikita Shahani, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Love That Design
Speakers:
Laila Al-yousuf, Director & Partner,SAY, Studio
Ralf Steinhauer, Global Hospitality Director, RSP Architects
Gisela Loehlein, Consultant, AKDesigno
Nicola Trivett, General Manager, Summertown
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07 November
10:30am to 1pm
MASTERCLASS : Waste to Worth: Circular Design in Practice
The masterclass emphasizes the critical role of sustainability in design within the context of the circular economy, exploring innovative strategies that allow designers to reimagine materials and concepts. This session will provide designers with valuable insights and practical tools to create sustainable products that cater to the future of the industry.
Speakers:
Dana Said, Head, FROMM.Lab
Diane De Smit, Sustainability Consultant, FROMM.Lab
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2pm to 2:45pm
High-Performance Interiors: Integrating User Experience and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The future of interiors lies in intelligent environments that harness the power of AI to create spaces responsive to every user’s needs and preferences. This panel delves into groundbreaking advancements in AI-driven personalization, where spaces adapt in real-time based on user habits, emotional cues, and environmental data. We’ll explore concepts like predictive ambiance control, where AI anticipates and adjusts lighting, acoustics, and temperature to support specific tasks or moods, and adaptive spatial zoning, where layouts morph to accommodate fluctuating occupancy and activity levels. Smart materials integrated with sensor technology respond to stress levels and air quality, actively promoting well-being and productivity.
Experts will also discuss the fusion of physical and digital experiences, such as immersive AR interfaces within interiors, allowing users to interact with virtual elements that enhance functionality and aesthetic. Together, these innovations are paving the way for responsive, high-performance interiors where AI not only supports but anticipates and elevates the user experience.
Moderator:
Vikita Shahani, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Love That Design
Speakers:
Dr. Krishnadas, Associate Professor (Data Science), Middlesex University Dubai
Mohammed Adib, Chief Design Officer, Dewan
Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder & Design Director, 4Space
Sean Tan, Associate Principal, Woods Bagot
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3pm to 3:45pm
Designing for the Future: How Circular Economy is Impacting the Industry
As the world shifts towards sustainability, the circular economy is redefining design practices across various industries. This panel will explore how integrating circular principles shapes innovative design solutions, highlighting its potential to drive economic resilience, foster creativity, and create a more sustainable future for all.
Moderator:
Vikita Shahani, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Love That Design
Speakers:
Dana Said, Head, FROMM.Lab
Diane De Smit, Sustainability Consultant, FROMM.Lab
Elif Resitoglu, Creative Director, Isola Design
Ian Masonbury,Design Development & Brand Manager, Armourcoat
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4pm to 4:45pm
From the Past to the Future: A New Perspective on Arab Design
The panel will explore the dynamic evolution of Arab design in recent years, highlighting its deep roots in traditional craftsmanship while envisioning its role in shaping future creative landscapes.Speakers will share diverse perspectives on how Arab design today is influenced by past aesthetics and current social and environmental needs, while embracing forward-thinking approaches through modern practices and independent design studios.
Moderator:
Ben D'Souza, Founder, Love That Design
Speakers:
Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly, Acting Director of Doha Design Chairperson Office, Qatar Museums
Joe Bou Abboud, Founder, Boo Design Studio
Alaa Al-Qahtani, Program Lead, King Abdulaziz Center of World Culture (Ithra)
Samer Yamani, Creative Director and founder, Creative Dialogue
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5pm to 5:45pm
Future Cities: Micro-Architecture and Design
In dense urban settings, the need for adaptable, space-efficient interiors has never been greater. This panel explores cutting-edge modular and multi-flexible design concepts that optimize urban spaces with innovative, customizable solutions. We’ll discuss rapidly deployable furniture and fittings that adapt to various configurations, supporting dynamic lifestyles and maximizing limited square footage. Key themes include sustainable micro-living designs that balance comfort and utility in small spaces, and how Building Information Modeling (BIM) and interoperable systems streamline planning, allowing seamless integration of modular elements.
Industry leaders will unpack how these strategies are transforming urban interiors into highly functional, sustainable environments, catering to the evolving needs of city dwellers while reducing environmental impact.
Moderator:
Vikita Shahani, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Love That Design
Speakers:
Leonardo Herman, Managing Director, Kiklos
Mennah Darwish, Senior Design Manager, H&H Group
Utkarsh Singh, Technical Director, HBA
Rakan Aljandali, Creative Director, KCA
Noelle Hallabi, Associate Director, Edge Architects
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08 November
3:30pm to 4:15pm
Public Art in Dubai: A Conversation
The moderated conversation between Architect Abdalla Almulla and artist Areen Hassan will explore public art in Dubai, introduce the new edition of the public art education programme and hear from participants about their experience of working on public realm projects. The practitioners will provide valuable insights into the creative process, challenges faced, and rewards of working on public art projects, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.
Moderator:
William Mullally, Arts & Culture Editor, The National
Speakers:
Areen Hassan, Textile designer-artist working independently
Abdalla Almulla, Architect, MULA Design Studio
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4:30pm to 5:15pm
Crafting Tomorrow: The intersection of AI and Human Creativity
Exploring the evolving landscape where AI and human creativity intersect, sharing insights into how advancements in AI are reshaping design and creative industries. The panel will delve into the opportunities and challenges brought by AI, while highlighting how it complements and enhances human imagination and traditional practices.
Moderator:
Sertac Tasdelen Founder , SERTAC TAŞDELEN STUDIO
Speakers:
Sedat Bin Vedat, Founder,Hagia Labs
Gizem Durakoğlu, Senior Lead Designer, Beko
Francesco Pace, Founder, Tellurico
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09 November
2pm to 2:45pm
How Innovative Materials Are Shaping the Design and Architecture Industry
As the design and architecture industry evolves, new materials are playing a key role in this transformation.The panel will discuss how advancements in materials science are shaping design practices.
Moderator:
Richard Wilson, Founder & Creative Director, Colab
Speakers:
Rania ElKalla, Founder & CEO, Shell Homage
Kamal Farah, Director, Desert Board
Radeesh Shetty, Co-founder, Oorjaa
Aya Moug, Creator and Industrial Design Lead, The Papyri Design Studio
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3pm to 3:45pm
Transforming Cities Through New Spaces for Creative Communities
In a rapidly evolving urban landscape, the creation of innovative spaces for creative communities is essential for fostering collaboration and cultural exchange. This panel will explore how thoughtfully designed environments can revitalize cities, supporting artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. Discussing examples/ideas that demonstrate the transformative power of creative spaces in enhancing social cohesion and driving economic growth.
Moderator:
Pedram Farjam, Founder and Creative Director, Kynda Creative
Speakers:
Neal Patel, Co-Founder, Makan
Rodny Aquino, Chief Martketing Officer, Isola Design Group
Necip Camcigil, Founder, One Life
Bigecanan Eren, Founder, Grob Design
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Where:
d3, Building 6
When:
5-10 November 2024
10am – 10pm.
10am – 10pm.
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