Dubai Design District: The Creative Hub of Innovation and Style

There is an increased demand for a dedicated space that fosters creativity and innovation, and Dubai Design District is here to meet that. It attracts many start up and entrepreneurial activities as well as international design brands. This place counts among the most famous names in terms of fashion and design, such as Adidas, Nike, and Foster + Partners.

Magnificent infrastructure is offered by the district along with a flexible model of business that will attract international corporations and freelancers. The district promises the possibility of sole ownership for entrepreneurs who are not citizens of UAE, meaning creative professionals from all over the globe would be attracted to this place. Dubai Design District is under development in three phases. Each of the phases aims at creating a dynamic environment within the design industry:

1. Phase 1:  has 11 office buildings offering 1.2 million square feet of office space and more than 200,000 square feet of retail space which was Completed in 2016,. This has made it a home to more than 100 retail units and 1,000 office units dwelling designers, artists, and creative businesses. Its architectural design portrays the ethos of a modern and innovative district.

2. Phase 2: This will focus on the creation of the creative community in d3. Upon completion, it will include design studios, workshops, and showrooms. It is when the district, as an ideal environment for creative experimentation, will be elevated to a new position in the global design industry. This is the vision of d3, a creative hub designed by architectural firm Foster and Partners. One of four phases, it forms an important part of d3’s coming as a creative hub serving the design sector at both regional and global levels.

3. Phase 3: Reimagine Dubai Design District landscape as a promenade extending 2 kilometers along Creek-side. This phase will include hotels, restaurant offerings, and entertainment venues within the district to add additional leisure and hospitality value. This promenade will position d3 as a thriving destination for creativity, culture, and commerce when it’s finally complete.

Dubai Design District is not a place to work it’s a community where culture thrives. The district features an exclusive boutiques and showrooms to lively cafes and restaurants that are aligned with a lifestyle experience weaving work, leisure, and creativity. Dubai Design Week and fashion shows often held in d3 also attract international and regional audiences. It is also dubbed as the annual design celebration that puts light on emerging talent while it highlights the district’s commitment to supporting the creative community.

d3 is also very much involved in the promotion of smart infrastructure and innovation. In 2020, Dubai launched a smart police station in the district providing security and community support around the clock to the public pertaining to traffic, security-related issues, etc. This again reflects more the longer-term goals of digital transformation and smart city development in Dubai.

Its location, adjacent to Mohammed bin Rashid City and Business Bay, yet just minutes away from Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, places Dubai Design District as an excellent site to attract people from within the Emirate and across the globe. Being proximate to most of the business hubs in Dubai, it is one of the sought-after spots for global brands with interests in expanding their presence in the Middle East. D3 supports entrepreneurs through its freezone business model, which opens shop for freelancers and professionals without the need for a local partner. This encourages international talent to relocate to Dubai, thereby making the city a truly global creative hub.

As it continues to grow and expand, d3 will emerge as a pivotal district within which the future of the creative industries in the UAE and beyond is shaped. From design and fashion, through technology and innovation, the Dubai Design District is laying the ground for Dubai to rise within the creative economy as one of the world’s leaders.

Actually, with constantly announced new infrastructure projects and cultural events, d3 will attract many more innovators, designers, and creators in the coming years. Are you a developing brand or up-and-coming talent? Dubai Design District will connect you with access to resources, inspiration, and the creative community in the global marketplace.