With the aim of facilitating networking, collaboration and exhibition opportunities for Italian and Emirati companies and creatives, Milano Durini Design –the association that brings together over 40 iconic Made in Italy design companies that have showrooms in the city centre – and Dubai Design District (d3) – a member of TECOM Group PJSC – have signed a strategic partnership on the occasion of Dubai Design Week (8-12 November 2023) that will multiply regional and global visibility platforms. The collaboration between the two entities, undisputed hubs of international design, will also pave the way for educational and exchange programmes for foreign students, competitions and learning opportunities for universities in Dubai and Milan.
“Growing the profile of Dubai’s creative talent international in key global markets is a key part of our mission at d3”, said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3. “Our partnership with the Milano Durini Design Association sees us align with an organisation at the heart of Milan’s creative design community – a design community with a prestigious legacy and influence. Together, we will work to create inspiring opportunities for education and learning, cultural exchange and new business. By bringing world-class creative opportunities and influencers here to Dubai, we can further diversify our global creative community and reinforce Dubai as a central hub for the creative industries.”
The strategic partnership will see d3 and Milano Durini Design Association promote knowledge sharing and education opportunities for students and professionals. The two organisations will introduce Dubai- and Milan-based educational institutions to facilitate collaborative learning opportunities, including bespoke lectures, exchange programmes, and ongoing education in design, as well as corporate training, design competitions and student project collaborations. By creating a knowledge highway between the two creative districts, d3 and Milano Durini Design Association will contribute to the growing design sector by raising the bar for excellence and innovation.
Milano Durini Design Association will establish a base at d3 to host exhibitions and temporary showcases, as well as offer venues for d3 to host networking events in Italy. The association will further promote d3’s endeavours in Italy with the aim of raising awareness for its creative community and its position as a global hub for creativity.
“Dubai has really set itself apart in the global creative spheres: its rise as a creative capital and its growing pool of global talent and brands are a sign that Dubai is the place to be if you’re in the creative industry”, commented Massimo Salamone, President and Founder of Milano Durini Design Association.
“We’re thrilled to tap into Dubai Design District’s diverse and innovative creative community, that can bring cultural enrichment to both parties, connecting our longstanding ecosystem with ideas, opportunities and experiences that span geographies and cultures. The agreement signed is a further step by the Milano Durini Design Association towards a programme of internationalisation of creativity and design culture for companies based in the heart of Milan, which goes beyond Milan Design Week in April. Just as in Milan, Dubai Design District is a landmark that is now the headquarters of important brands in the world of fashion, beauty and design who want to expand their outlets in the GCC countries. It is a synergy that will support design companies in a market rich in opportunities today.”
