Showcasing creativity from across the region, Downtown Design highlights the depth and diversity of local design talent. From emerging studios to established names, curated exhibits celebrate the cultural richness, craftsmanship, and contemporary vision that define the region’s design identity.

This year’s highlights span from South Asia to the Middle East. From India, Jaipur Rugs presents a curated showcase by Paris-based designer Tatiana de Nicolay and acclaimed Indian designer Vinita Chaitanya. From Pakistan, the debut of Strata by mother-son duo Saira Ahsan and Yousaf Shahbaz takes place, while the fair also features new works by Jagdish Sutar and Studio Obliq.

From Lebanon, BEIT Collective brings a collaboration uniting Lebanese artisans with international designers, while Saudi Arabia’s Designed in Saudi initiative — led by the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture — highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its industrial design sector.

Based in the UAE, homegrown design also takes center stage. MAKE debuts the fifth cohort of its Athath Fellowship, nurturing emerging designers in furniture and entrepreneurship. Tashkeel’s Tanween Design Programme returns with nine new designers exploring sustainability in the 2025 edition. From Sharjah, 1971 Design Space spotlights material innovation with new works by Egyptian designers Lina Ghalib and Nuhayr Zein.

Together, these showcases illustrate how design across the region continues to bridge heritage and innovation, while shaping a contemporary creative identity rooted in cultural richness.