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The third edition of Downtown Design has been the most successful to date, firmly establishing the fair as the leading design trade event in the region.

Pre-registrations increased by 25%, and visitor numbers exceeded expectation, with current estimated figures above 10,000 over the four days. Positive feedback from industry, buyers and brands, has led to a surge in demand for space in the 2016 edition, promising a larger and even richer presentation for the highly anticipated fourth edition.

Held under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the contemporary design fair took place for the first time at Dubai Design District (d3) on Tuesday 27 October until Friday 30 October. The Fair was well attended by local and international officials including His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the ambassadors of China, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Mexico and Finlandand representatives from the Consulate General of Canada.  

The exhibition featured over 90 exhibitors from 25 different countries and for the first time this year also included six different design weeks that brought along three of their leading young brands. Exhibitor, lighting designer Jonathan Ben Tovim, from Melbourne Design Week was hugely impressed by the Fair and the potential of the region: “Dubai seems to be having its design moment. At Downtown Design we have met so many local customers and architects who have been genuinely excited to see new brands and new design. The energy is really positive and Downtown Design seems to be here at the perfect time.”

Another highlight of this year was the exclusive and hugely successful Buyers Programme that helped arrange over 280 meetings between the exhibitors and interested buyers. The Buyers Programme attracted over 230 buyers from around the MENA region to visit and enjoy exclusive member privileges.

The Public Programme talks and panels that were held alongside the exhibition were well-attended by design industry professionals. The stellar lineup of speakers attracted over 1200 listeners, and panelists were thrilled to get a chance to share insights about their industries with students and trade professionals who were genuinely interested in what they had to share. The Public Programme featured top industry professionals from the region who imparted knowledge, expertise and future trends for design and architecture.

Founder of Kahler Design, George Kahler remarked on the success of the fair “This year Downtown Design stepped up a gear and made its mark firmly on the international design calendar. The fair was extremely well organized, promoted and delivered while attracting top brands from around the world to participate. The innovative Buyers Programme software and Talks Programme connected the expert market and made this a must-attend event for all international interior design professionals.”

The third edition of Downtown Design has broken all previous records to become the most successful Fair to date. With the number of pre-registrants already up for Downtown Design 2016, next year’s Fair is already gearing up to be much bigger. To register your interest in exhibiting at Downtown Design 2016, click here.