Hosting key speakers from around the world, The Forum features a series of live talks, panel discussions and keynotes featuring regional and international thought-leaders.
Fostering pertinent connections in a sought-after and fast-growing market, the programme is staged in an annually reconfigured setting promoting dialogue and open exchange. This year’s space is conceived by Beirut-born interior designer Thomas Trad, who will be taking cues from minimalist, Japanese-inspired aesthetics.
Featuring renowned global names from the global design industry over the years, the programme has lent its stage to international profiles such as Lidewij Edelkoort, Kelly Hoppen, Ini Archibong, Christian Louboutin, Sabine Marcelis and Sebastian Herkner to mention a few.
Announced as one of the key speakers, this year, architect and designer India Mahdavi will host the opening keynote offering her insights on multicultural design and the fusion of identities in contemporary space. Other keynotes by prominent figures on the global scene, include Eames Demetrios and Lina Ghotmeh.
THE FORUM 2024
OPENING KEYNOTE
6 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Global design icon India Mahdavi will host the opening keynote at The Forum 2024, share insights on her multicultural design philosophy and the fusion of identities in contemporary design.
Keynote: India Mahdavi
In Conversation with Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design
The transformative power of cross-cultural forms of expression
7 November, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Affluent designers from around the globe meet to explore the interplay between cultural fusion and neo-modernism in contemporary design, highlighting the ways in which global influences inspire new forms of expression; from innovative aesthetics to challenging traditional norms and redefining modernity.
Speakers: Nika Zupanc (Interior and Product designer), Jassim AlSaddah (Babnimnim Design Studio), Rabah Saeid (Styled Habitat), Jacopo Foggini (Designer), Karim Rashid (Industrial designer)
Moderator: Omar Al Gurg
Demystifying impact of design: How interiors of commercial spaces affects work culture and quality of life
7 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A diverse panel of industry specialists break down the key elements of interiors that affect us all, impacting our work culture and quality of life.
Speakers: Ramón Esteve (Ramón Esteve Estudio), Manjul Trehan (Lutron), Lucy d’Abo (Together), Agata Kurzela (Architect & Urban designer)
Moderator: Thomas Trad
PRESERVATION AND IDENTITY
7 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Drawing on the legacy of the Eames family, this address will uncover how we can protect and reinterpret our design narratives for future generations through the importance of preserving design heritage while fostering creativity and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.
Keynote: Eames Demetrios (Eames Foundation)
In conversation with dezeen
Design Excellence: Transcending borders
7 November, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Following opening remarks of the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Lorenzo Fanara, a varied panel of industry specialists will engage in a dynamic dialogue, discussing redefining horizons in design and highlighting the importance of staying ahead while true to quality, culture and identity - in a rapidly evolving industry.
Speakers: Valerio Soldani (Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE), Laura Bielecki (Nakheel), Giulio Cappellini (Designer), Fahed Ghanim (Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle)
Moderator: Zen Bahar, Commercial Interior Design
RIBA - Women in Leadership
7 November, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Leading industry voices will discuss how to overcome the challenges they faced, with strategies for empowerment, mentorship’s role, and the breaking down of barriers that have led to their success stories within our sector, as they offer advice for aspiring leaders, men and women alike.
Speakers: Belinda Irlam-Mowbray (RIBA), Ila Colombo (DEOND), Alaa Shibly (Dubai Holding), Andy Shaw (AMA + RIBA Chair), Mariska Stoffel (Killa Design)
Moderator: Sandra Woodall, Tangram & RIBA
Phenomenology - Sensorial / Emotional Design
8 November, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
An engaging panel featuring vibrant profiles of the creative industry that will delve into how sensory experiences and subjective interpretations shape artistic practice and creative expression; how materials and spaces evoke emotions and create connections.
Speakers: Mr. Mohamed Hilal (Mohamed Hilal Group), Mark Eacott (Ennismore), Linda Nieuwstad (Linda Nieuwstad Studio), Ross Lovegrove (Industrial designer, Artist, Experimental Thinker)
Moderator: Pallavi Dean, Roar Design
Perspective, Resilience, Solution!
8 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Leading voices from diverse contexts will shed light on the vital role of people and solutions by design, in addressing global crisis, sharing insights on how creative solutions can emerge from adversity, highlighting case studies that demonstrate design's capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, whether in architecture, product development, or community initiatives.
Speakers: Toby Gregory (The Plastic Pledge), Yusuke Hotta (Mitsubishi Jisho Design), Dr. Gnanli Landrou (Oxara)
Moderator: Frederic Sicre, Tardis Advisors
Luxury living, Redefined!
8 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Experts in ultra high-end interior design and real estate come together to unpack the transformative shifts redefining the residential sector, as the evolving landscape of luxury living with sensory-rich spaces.
Speakers: Karen Howes (Taylor Howes), Magnus Ström (Strom Architects), Diana Espejo (Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas), Elie Khouri (Vivium), Sawsan Haber (Dipiugi)
Moderator: Cyril Zammit, Strategic Advisor and Design Consultant
Architecture, craftsmanship and locality!
8 November, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Through her unique lens, globally celebrated architect Lina Ghotmeh joins dezeen's design and environment editor, Jennifer Hahn, in a discussion about the vital role of craft, community and local engagement in contextualizing and shaping meaningful architecture to foster connections within communities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and cultural narratives.
Keyote: Lina Ghotmeh (Architect)
In conversation with dezeen
RIBA - Next Generation Leaders: Stepping into the Industry
8 November, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
How can young designers make their mark in a rapidly changing industry? With AI, new technologies, and the climate crisis, how can the next generation seize the narrative and tackle these challenges? Join this panel of young and experienced designers as they discuss what it takes to lead this transformation and design a better world.
Speakers: Savannah Williams (RSP), Ryan Sailsman (Jones), Maya Cochrane (Heriot Watt), Zeyana Khamis (AMA), Paolo Testolini (Woods Bagot)
Moderator: Maryam Al-Irhayim, AECOM
Crafting Connections
9 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This session will explore the powerful ways in which design can bridge cultural divides and foster community engagement.
Speakers: Shane Ordovás (Atelier Talasin), Emilie Skaff (Beit Collective), Dalia Hamati (Abwab), Manu Bañó (EWE Studio)
Moderator: Rue Kothari, DESIGNEAST
Staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry
9 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This panel brings together a diverse group of creatives, each offering unique perspectives on contemporary design challenges and solutions, with a focus on innovative approaches to residential interior design alongside hospitality interiors, including creative F&B spaces.
Speakers: Kristina Bråteng (B8 Architecture & Design Studio), Omar Nakkash (Nakkash Design Studio), Marwan AlBalushi (Urban Commissions 2024 Winner), Khyle Alexander Raja (Majara-DXB)
Moderator: Aneesha Rai, Identity Magazine
