Dubai: The countdown has begun for one of the Middle East’s most influential creative gatherings, the 11th edition of Dubai Design Week, scheduled from November 4 to 9, 2025, at the iconic Dubai Design District (d3). Every year, this landmark event attracts a vibrant convergence of visionary designers, architects, artists, and innovators from around the world, united by their passion to push the boundaries of design and explore its role in shaping the future of living.
A Theme Rooted in Connection: Community
In alignment with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, this year’s central theme is “Community.” Dubai Design Week 2025 invites attendees to explore design not just as a technical or aesthetic pursuit but as a catalyst for human connection. It’s a call to reimagine design’s power to bring people together, inspire dialogue, and nurture a sense of belonging and collective identity. Through a curated range of projects and installations, the event will highlight the myriad ways design reflects and fosters our shared social fabric, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and care for one another.
Urban Commissions: Courtyards Reimagined
A standout feature of Dubai Design Week is the Urban Commissions international design competition, which returns this year with a fresh challenge, “Courtyard.” This theme invites architects and designers to re-envision the traditional Middle Eastern courtyard beyond its architectural function. The courtyard is reimagined as a dynamic space for community interaction, creativity, and collective energy, a pulsating heart of social life where culture and collaboration intersect. Participants are tasked with innovative ideas that celebrate heritage while addressing contemporary urban needs.
Abwab 2025: “In the Details”
The acclaimed Abwab platform broadens its reach in 2025, welcoming submissions from across West, South, and East Asia, as well as Africa. The theme, “In the Details,” challenges creators to delve deep into the rich tapestry of craft, ornament, and storytelling. Through immersive installations and hands-on experiences, visitors will be transported into worlds where history, culture, and artistry are interwoven, celebrating intricate details that define identities and traditions.
Notable past highlights like TukTukDum by Altqadum, Iwan Pavilion by Ithra, Enfold by DEOND, and The Neo-Majlis by Future Bedouin set a high bar for storytelling through design, and anticipation is high for what this year’s Abwab will unveil.
Immersive Exhibitions, Installations, and Workshops
Dubai Design Week continues its tradition of blending exhibitions, outdoor installations, and interactive workshops that engage a broad audience. Whether it’s the Maker Space inviting all ages to experiment with design, or large-scale installations by leading architects and designers exploring sustainability and inclusivity, the event promises an enriching, hands-on experience.
Outdoor public spaces will transform with thought-provoking works imagining the future of communal environments, while the bustling Marketplace will showcase unique handmade creations by the region’s finest makers, complemented by live music, food, and activities for families.
Downtown Design: A Hub for Innovation
From November 5 to 9, Downtown Design takes center stage as a platform for international design brands to debut their latest collections and avant-garde ideas. This year’s edition is particularly exciting with immersive installations, inspiring talks by global industry leaders, and special headline collaborations, including the much-anticipated Dubai debut of design legend Tom Dixon. Downtown Design offers a rare glimpse into the cutting edge of contemporary design, bringing together creatives, collectors, and connoisseurs under one roof.
Editions Art & Design: Limited-Edition Excellence
Following its successful launch last year, Editions Art & Design returns November 6–9 with a focus on limited-edition art and design. With over fifty galleries, studios, and collectives from around the world, the fair presents an eclectic range of collectable furniture, ceramics, photography, prints, and artist multiples. It offers visitors an accessible way to engage with original works at every price point, spotlighting emerging talents alongside established names in the art world.
Architecture for Togetherness: d3 Architecture Exhibition
In collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the d3 Architecture Exhibition underscores the theme of community through bold architectural ideas that foster openness, inclusivity, and sustainability. The exhibition explores how architecture can serve as a medium for connection, designing spaces that invite interaction and nurture social bonds in rapidly evolving urban landscapes.
Why Dubai Design Week 2025 Is a Must-Attend
Dubai Design Week is more than just an exhibition, it’s a vibrant cultural ecosystem celebrating creativity’s role in shaping society. With its thematic focus on community, the 2025 edition uniquely reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering togetherness and inclusivity. Whether you are a design professional, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of urban living, this week promises to be a remarkable journey of inspiration, innovation, and connection.
Stay tuned as the full list of participants and events is announced. This promises to be one of Dubai Design Week’s most exciting chapters yet, and it’s certain to leave a lasting impact on how we think about design’s role in our lives.