Tashkeel has announced the seven UAE-based designers selected for the 2026 edition of its Tanween Design Programme, marking the 13th iteration of the initiative. The cohort will undertake an intensive eleven-month journey of research, experimentation and making, rooted in locally sourced materials and sustainable production methodology. The contemporary designs will be presented at Downtown Design in Dubai from 4–8 November 2026.

Founded in 2013, Tanween is Tashkeel’s flagship development programme for emerging designers in the UAE. The programme empowers designers to strengthen their commercial positioning and scale their practice through mentorship, marketing and sales resources, and collaboration with local manufacturers.

The 2026 cohort includes: Alia AlShamsi (UAE), Ahmad Al Kattan (Syria), Nethra and Kaushikk Ganesan (India), Rashed Alnuaimi (UAE), Rawdha Alhosani (UAE), Ayah Alkhatib (Palestine), and Abdulla Abbas (UAE).

Following their exhibition at Downtown Design, participants will receive continued support from Tashkeel to produce limited-edition product lines, enabling them to establish a strong foothold in the market.