Dubai Design Week 2025, now in its 11th edition, has once again positioned itself as a global hub for innovation and sustainability in design. Held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the event showcases the UAE’s growing influence in the creative industry while emphasizing the fusion of tradition and modernity. This year’s theme, ‘Community,’ underscores the importance of collaboration and empathy in shaping a sustainable future. Among the highlights is Tashkeel’s Tanween Collection 2025, featuring nine UAE-based designers who have spent nearly a year crafting functional, eco-conscious designs. From repurposed fabric waste to discarded metal, these creations blend environmental responsibility with Emirati heritage. Notable designers include Hessa Al Ghandi, Jassim Alnaqbi, and Sarah Al Dulaimi, whose works reflect a deep connection to local culture and sustainability. Al Dulaimi’s ‘Oculus’ collection, made from discarded chiffon offcuts, explores themes of identity and privacy, while Alnaqbi’s ‘Haila’ collection transforms scrap metal into sculptural pieces inspired by Emirati jewellery. Al Ghandi’s ‘Lamah’ collection, inspired by natural landscapes, embodies the spirit of gathering and memory. These projects not only highlight the UAE’s creative ambition but also aim to inspire global conversations about sustainable design and cultural preservation.
Dubai: These designers see gold in fabric waste, scrap metal, turn it into sustainable creations
