WASL, a special project of the four-day event at d3, is a large retrospective that enhances local design, displaying pieces of UAE-based designers and makers. Supported by the new District of Design and the Dubai Culture&Arts Authority, the exhibition encourages and supports local design. In particular, the Design Days’ President Cyril Zammit affirms that «in the 5 years since the fair’s launch in 2012, the design scene has matured and fostered a new generation of designers». Large part of the products run from floors to creative installations, from enlightening systems to graphic prints, and they are sponsored by local companies and foundations as Tashkheel, 1971 Design Space, the Sheikha Salama Foundation and the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.
The retrospective has the double aim to enhance regional emergent talents and connect them with successful designers. The current edition hosts personalities as Khalid Shafar and Aljoud Lootha, who exhibit Dubai Journey and Illusion Arm, Oru Series and Misnad respectively, important works in the global panorama.
The retrospective’s title recalls the former name of Dubai and means “connections”, affirming the role of the city as international hub of design.
