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From Home Furnishing Business
Design Next Brings Showcase of Sustainable Design to UAE
November 5,
2024 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Design Next, a first-of-its-kind exhibition in the UAE promoting the circular economy, is bringing an inspiring showcase of sustainable design and insight from around the world to the 10th-anniversary edition of Dubai Design Week.
The exhibition, launched by Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and the prestigious Isola Design Group, kicks off tomorrow, showcasing ideas and solutions to empower the circular economy and inspire visitors to play a greater part in shaping a sustainable world. The exhibition will run in Building 6 at d3 from Nov. 5-10.
"Consumers want to see bold statements around sustainability transform into tangible, accessible reality. Design Next offers businesses, creatives and the public a glimpse of how local, regional and global brands are leveraging circular design to deliver attractive and functional products for personal and commercial use," said Khadija Al Bastaki, senior vice president of Dubai Design District (d3) – part of TECOM Group PJSC.
"We are delighted to work with such a prestigious brand in the global design space to create this programme that emphasises the breadth and depth of creativity shaping a sustainable future through displays and insightful conversations by brilliant minds. We hope Design Next will catalyze a greater movement towards a circular economy while powering growth in Dubai's creative industries, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' ambitions."
The inaugural line-up for Design Next comprises the creativity and innovations of more than 40 local, regional and international independent designers and studios, sustainable brands, and design tech start-ups presenting innovative, eco-conscious products to circular construction materials. From compostable smartphone cases to plant-derived furniture, interior materials, and homewares, the exhibition will illustrate contemporary applications of design created from innovative technology and alternative materials. Among the talents presenting are Aga Blonska, Chinara Darwish, Eleonora Rombolà, Grob Design and IOUS Studio, amongst many more.
Design Next will also include a dynamic and engaging platform of panel discussions hosted by industry thought leaders and live performances that bring the values of sustainable design thinking to life. These discussions start on 6 November, with Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly, Acting Director of Doha Biennale, Samer Yamani, Founder and Director of design consultancy Creative Dialogue, and Wael Al Awar, architect and founding partner waiwai design studio among the line-up of panelists.
"We are pleased to bring our international design community and years of dedicated research in circular design, innovative materials, and cutting-edge design tech solutions to Dubai. We are confident that our partnership with d3 and Design Next will contribute meaningfully to advancing the regional design dialogue, setting new standards in environment-conscious practices and industry collaboration. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire the design sector in the region and to share the tools needed to shape a more resilient and forward-thinking future," said Gabriele Cavallaro, CEO and co-founder of Isola Design Group.
Announced in Oct. 2024, Design Next marks the first joint initiative between d3 and the innovative Isola Design Group. The Milan-based design company, renowned for providing visibility and opportunities to independent designers, design studios, and brands worldwide, recently expanded to the Middle East with a new regional headquarters at d3's global creative ecosystem.