Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), toured the Dubai Design Week Marketplace during the festival’s 11th edition. The event is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, and is organised in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group, with support from Dubai Culture. This year’s programme features an extensive line-up of design commissions, exhibitions, installations, panel discussions, and live creative showcases.
During her visit, Shaima was accompanied by Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, and Saleh Al Braik, Director of Corporate Communication and Marketing at the Authority. The delegation explored the work of emerging Emirati businesses supported by Dubai Culture, including Nakhlah, a brand inspired by the cultural symbolism of the palm tree with a focus on sustainable design; Masraana Coffee, which reinterprets heritage-inspired flavours for contemporary audiences; The Creatives Shop, a concept store dedicated to promoting local talent through product curation and community initiatives; and Alwany Studios, which creates expressive ceramic pieces using everyday materials in innovative ways.
She also visited Alkajojah by artist Taghrid Almehrzi; Mutual, which creates unique, art-driven phone accessories; Jumping Cliff, a label merging streetwear with functional design; Utopia 777, which draws on cultural references to craft modern fashion; and Little Kandora, which celebrates the elegance of traditional children’s attire. Several other UAE-based makers were also featured, reflecting the diversity and depth of creativity present at the Marketplace this year.
Al Suwaidi met several designers and artists during her visit, commending the quality and originality of the ideas on display. She noted that the Marketplace has become a key platform for new voices to share their vision for the future of design, and highlighted how the event reflects Dubai’s growing strength as a global hub for the creative economy, supported by an ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. She reaffirmed Dubai Culture’s commitment to empowering Emirati and UAE-based creatives by providing the resources and guidance needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures that contribute to the growth of the cultural and creative industries, in line with the Authority’s mission to cement Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
The market brought together more than 100 brands specialising in handcrafted products, presenting an extensive selection of homeware, jewellery, fashion, and sustainable lifestyle items. Ajzal Studio supported participants by offering a 50% discount on brand identity design services, alongside complimentary consultations and mentoring sessions aimed at strengthening their skills in product presentation and commercial marketing. The initiative aligns with Dubai Culture’s ongoing efforts to empower local talent and provide them with platforms to share their creativity with the wider community.
Dubai Culture also supported the UAE Designer Exhibition, curated by designer and consultant Nada Debs, as part of Downtown Design, the region’s leading contemporary design fair. The exhibition showcased a diverse range of works by Emirati and UAE-based designers, underscoring the Authority’s efforts to nurture local talent and advance the design sector.
Throughout Dubai Design Week, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children hosted a series of pottery workshops that encouraged visitors to experiment with wheel-throwing techniques and discover their creative abilities. The Centre also presented an exhibition of children’s artworks and a Pottery Market, organised in collaboration with Yadawei Ceramic Studio, featuring pieces that celebrated skilled craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of clay as an artistic medium.