Consolidated efforts to strengthen the UAE as a global hub for creation.
As the only platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high quality design from all over the world, Downtown Design’s fourth edition was a huge success. There was a 30% increase in visitor numbers on 2014 and 100% of the top regional design firms, including GAJ, LW Design, H&H Studio, Aecom, Woods Bagot and RMJM, were in attendance.
As we look ahead to the next edition in 2016, we are encouraged by the government's recent efforts to create a widespread culture of innovation and strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub of creation.
Under the guidance and directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the first UAE Innovation Week launched last month (22 – 28 November).
Many activities took place in different Emirates across the UAE - from exhibitions of innovative products and services to the launch of a new national digital initiative, Creatopia. One of the main highlights of UAE Innovation Week was the burgeoning public programme, comprised of talks, activities and workshops, which was available to all.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice Chairman, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority said of the UAE’s first Innovation Week: ‘We are taking a significant stride forward in tapping the power of innovation to advance and promote the city’s cultural scene.'
In a specially commissioned article for Gulf News, Her Highness emphasised the defining role that innovation has in the creative space in its promotion of national reputation and societal well-being.
‘It brings two real benefits. The first is the social value that a vibrant cultural scene assures for the community, contributing to the happiness of the people. Cultural innovation expands the realm of the arts, shines the spotlight on talents and promotes social inclusiveness. The second advantage is the added economic value creation.’
Creative industries are a significant contributor to the GDP globally. According to the 2015 MENA Outlook Report, the MENA design industry alone surpassed USD 100bn in 2014. UAE and Saudi Arabia are by far the largest overall design markets in the region, totaling USD 27.6bn and USD 21.9bn in design revenues in 2014.
The projected growth for the regional design industry and the government’s consolidated efforts to strengthen the UAE as a global hub for innovation and creation signals growing opportunities for international brands seeking a competitive advantage in Dubai’s emerging market.
Read our 2015 review here.
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