Culture & Education | Tuesday 24 March, 2015 1:45 pm |

• The Middle East and South Asia’s only collectable design fair welcomes more than 13,500 visitors, and 150 regional and international designers over five days.
• Over 500 people attended the fair’s expanded Public Programme of talks and workshops, sponsored by Dubai Design District.
• Strong interest and sales sees galleries and designers already reconfirm for Design Days Dubai 2016.
Design Days Dubai, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and held in partnership with Dubai Culture, wraps up its fourth edition as its most successful to-date.
Design Days Dubai, which presents purchasable and highly desirable works of modern and contemporary design, yesterday closed its doors, having staged a record breaking fair for 2015; attracting increased visitor numbers of 13,500 people and having featured 150 designers and more than 780 items from 44 exhibitors across 20 countries.
Returning to the prestigious location of The Venue, next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in Downtown Dubai, Design Days Dubai has the continued generous support of returning sponsors, including French high-jewellery maison Van Cleef & Arpels, Emaar, Audi, and the strategic partnership with Dubai Culture, working in collaboration to provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with pieces from new-comers and well-established designers.
Fair Director, Cyril Zammit, said: “We are proud that in 2015, Design Days Dubai continues to increase its visitor numbers and was again the world’s most diverse international design fair, with a wide range of exhibitors and designers. With a broad selection of large-scale installations, sculptural works, and limited edition design – nearly 50 percent of which was presented by homegrown talent – Dubai has reinforced its position as a global centre for innovative design.”
Exhibiting galleries and designers reported strong interest and sales over the course of the fair, citing the development of broad international and regional networks as a large drawcard of Design Days Dubai. Many have already reconfirmed their returning participation for the 2016 edition.
Of the fair, exhibiting Emirati designer, Alijoud Lootah, said: “I found this year’s Design Days Dubai one of the strongest editions to date. It’s such a great platform for someone like me. It’s the first time that I have exhibited as an independent designer and I feel that I have really benefited. I’ve made contacts, sold some pieces, have met many new galleries and I’m now also looking at some possible future collaborations.”
Joy Mardini’s Art Factum Gallery (Lebanon) also stated that it had a successful showing at the fourth edition of the international design fair: “It was an amazing fair this year…obviously. It’s our third year here and its getting better and better. We’ve had compliments left and right for our stand and it’s been a successful year – visually and in terms of sales.”
Elsie Sikias of Ardeco Gallery (Lebanon) agreed: “We visited two years ago and we came back because we think its one of the best places to exhibit in the region.”
After its first ever participation and presence in the Middle East, David Gill of David Gill Galleries (UK), indicated that "Design Days Dubai 2015 is well organised with good attendance from the region and international buyers".

Global Reach
Demonstrating the importance of Design Days Dubai as a platform for reaching a global audience, the fair welcomed Beijing Design Week (China) for the first time, which presented a design exhibition that offered an expansive overview of China's transforming design landscape. World Design Capital – Taipei 2016 (Taiwan) presented works from varied designers; a teaser to just some of the exciting works that will be on show across the city’s upcoming year in the global spotlight.
The Crafts Council (UK) returned to Design Days Dubai for its fourth outing with selected works from eight rising stars and established designers. Tracey Clarke, Talent Development Manager at the Crafts Council, said: “It’s been a fantastic fair. I think we’ve had a very good response, not only to the work but also to the makers and the makers’ presence at the fair. We’ve had consistent interest throughout the week.”
Barbara Gunter-Jones, Exhibition Project Manager of the British Crafts Council, added: “It’s such a diverse audience at the fair that is hard to define. It’s so international and there are good private clients and good trade audiences.”

Focusing on Community
In 2015, the Middle East and South Asia’s only collectable design fair presented an expanded Public Programme of 13 free hands-on workshops and nine talks with leading design experts to capacity crowds. Sponsored by Dubai Culture and Dubai Design District (d3), the Dubai Design Days Public Programme saw participants experience and discuss design processes, theory and trends with designers from the UAE, Italy, Morocco, Taiwan and more… Over the course of the fair, more than 560 participants took part in the Public Programme, it’s highest turn-out yet.
For more information about Design Days Dubai and each participating gallery, please visit the bilingual website, www.designdaysdubai.ae. Supporters can also keep up to date with the fair via social media channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest
About Design Days Dubai
Now in its fourth edition, Design Days Dubai is the first design fair of its kind in the Middle East, bringing the most exclusive selection of purchasable, limited-edition design to the region. A showcase of desirable, rare and unique design creations, Design Days Dubai will be held from March 16-20, 2015, to coincide with Art Week, the city’s premier art event. Design Days Dubai will again be located at its dedicated premises; The Venue, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.

To download images of the works at Design Days Dubai 2015, please follow https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vgvyjubvojwab48/AAClastTxgJL59jqhUG5O1zsa/Galleries%202015?dl=0


DESIGN DAYS DUBAI IS PRESENTED WITH THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS:

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world.

The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include: The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region; Dubai Art Season: The city’s premier umbrella arts initiatives which encompasses of Art Week (Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai, and SIKKA Art Fair), Middle East Film & Comic Con, to highlight the Emirate’s growing creative landscape within the international circuit; SIKKA Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE; and Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.
www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

About Van Cleef & Arpels
Founded in 1906 in Paris’ Place Vendôme, Van Cleef & Arpels came into being following Alfred Van Cleef’s marriage to Estelle Arpels in 1895. Always striving for excellence, the Maison has become a worldwide reference through its unique designs, its choice of exceptional stones and its virtuoso craftsmanship, offering jewels and timepieces that tell stories and bring enchantment to life.

Over the years, the Maison has remained faithful to this highly distinctive style characterized by creativity, refinement and poetry. Whether inspired by nature, couture or works of the imagination, its collections evoke a timeless world of beauty and harmony.www.vancleefarpels.com


About Emaar Properties PJSC
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer and provider of premium lifestyles, with a significant presence in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. One of the world’s largest real estate companies, Emaar has total assets of nearly US$19 billion and a land bank of more than 226 million sq m in key international markets.

With a proven track-record in delivery, Emaar has handed over 37,500 residential units in Dubai and other global markets since 2001. Emaar has over 690,000 sq m of recurring revenue generating assets, and 12 hotels and resorts, with over 1,900 rooms. Today, over 60 per cent of the company’s revenues come from its shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure subsidiaries and international operations. Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, are among Emaar’s trophy developments. www.emaar.com

About Audi
The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,575,500 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2013. As one of the most successful models, the Audi A3 has been awarded the title of “World Car of the Year 2014“ by an international jury of journalists (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 3.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 165 – 85). In 2013, the company reported revenue of €49.9 billion and an operating profit of €5.03 billion. The company operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Győr (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since the end of 2013, the brand with the Four Rings has also been producing cars in Foshan (China). In 2015, Audi will start production in São José dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs more than 73,500 people worldwide, of which more than 52,500 in Germany. Total investment of around €22 billion is planned from 2014 to 2018 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.
AUDI AG’s commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005. The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A1, A3 and S3 Sedan, A4 and RS 4 Avant, the A5 Coupe, Sportback, Cabriolet and RS 5, the A6, S6 & RS 6 Avant, A7, S7 & RS 7, A8 L & S8, the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7, the Audi TT Coupe/Roadster and TT RS Coupe, the Audi R8 Coupe and R8 Spyder as well as R8 V10 plus.

About Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Design District, better known as d3, is dedicated to fostering the growth of the Emirate’s design, fashion, art, and luxury industry. It offers businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals a creative community that will be at the very heart of the region’s design scene.

d3 is the newest of TECOM Investments’ freezone business parks – with 11 buildings currently under construction. Once complete, d3 will be a purpose built environment catering to the full value chain of the design, fashion, art, and luxury industry – and all with the vision of creating a world class creative community that engages, nurtures and promotes local, regional and global design talent.
d3’s facilities will include everything from cutting-edge office space, to residential, hospitality, retail and unique food and beverage offerings. The District will be characterised by distinct public areas, unique street furniture and shaded walkways. The development will include a Creek-side esplanade with international and boutique hotels, unique retail spaces and a multi-use outdoor space.
Located close to Mohammed Bin Rashid City and adjacent to Dubai’s Business Bay, d3 is a short distance from the city’s arterial highways and two international airports. The District is in sight of the Creek, Dubai’s historic and mercurial trading epicentre, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping complex.

d3 will be the most connected design, fashion and luxury destination in the world – with Dubai being only eight hours flight time from 90 per cent of the countries in the world. Guided by the objectives set out in Dubai Fashion 2020 – a strategic plan to harness the full growth potential of the fashion industry – this creative community will support Dubai’s goals for a more diversified innovation-led economy.


About Art Week
With the aim of promoting the cultural activities of the region to both residents and visitors, Art Week is an umbrella initiative bringing together the UAE’s arts and culture-centred happenings in the month of March. From fairs Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai and SIKKA to exhibitions at Alserkal Avenue and pop-up museums around the country, Art Week involves cultural programmes from across the UAE, highlighting galleries, institutions and artists. As a focal point of the region’s cultural calendar, Art Week attracts many tourists and residents, thus helping to sustain and develop the region’s arts industry by actively building audiences and patrons. Art Week also provides educational opportunities for young Emiratis and locally-based graduates—building expertise for the future.