We met Mette Degn-Christensen, director of Downtown Design, during the eleventh edition of the fair, running until November 9 in Dubai. The fair is growing while maintaining a ’boutique’ approach — as she describes it. Set up at d3’s Waterfront Terrace, it remains the central event of Dubai Design Week and an annual meeting point for the creative community.
The new Editions section was recently inaugurated. How does it integrate with Downtown Dubai, and what role does it play within the context of the fair?
Our association with Art Dubai is key to understanding the origin of Editions. Not everyone knows that we are part of the Art Dubai group, which organizes various events, including the Art Dubai Fair. With Editions, we wanted to create a bridge between art and design, offering a unique stage for both emerging and established designers. About eight years ago, we suspended the Design Days fair because sales were stagnant and prices were too high. At that time, the design market in the region was still developing, and the concept of design was not fully understood. There was a disconnect between the idea of a functional object, such as furniture, and design as a form of art. Today, with the launch of Editions, we offer the public the opportunity to discover innovative works in an atmosphere that is not only accessible but also inspiring. We believe this approach allows for the appreciation of design and art in a high-quality and globally inspired context.
What have been the most significant changes for Downtown Dubai Fair in recent years, and what challenges have you faced during your growth?
In the post-COVID period, the world has undergone profound transformations, and our fair is no exception. We have observed noteworthy economic growth in the region and increasing demand for high-quality projects. In response to these trends, we have had to reposition the fair to meet new expectations and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
We are encouraging not only the participation of exhibitors but also contemporary design creators. It has become imperative for us to facilitate valuable connections and create collaborations that have a lasting impact. Our event aims to be a catalyst, not just a showcase; we want participants to generate enduring contacts that will fuel their activities for months and contribute to the creative ecosystem of the region.
What unique features set Downtown Dubai Fair apart from other international design fairs?
The primary characteristic of our fair is the boutique scale approach we have chosen to maintain. Although we have slightly increased our size this year, our goal is not to become a mega-fair. We focus on offering an intimate, high-quality experience where each exhibitor is carefully selected to ensure the audience encounters a vibrant and stimulating creative mix. We emphasize exhibitors investing in how they present their collections and communicate their value to the public.
Unlike other fairs, a tailored approach allows us to provide an environment that promotes education and understanding of the value of design; we aim to stimulate visitors to see design as a transformative force. What truly sets us apart is our ability to serve as an educational platform for the design community, showcasing not only products, but also concepts and innovations that are shaping the future of design.
How do you see the future of Downtown Dubai Fair within the global design context?
Our vision for the future is ambitious. We are already planning expansion into new regions, with the opening of our next fair in Riyadh in May 2025. This step will not only amplify our reach but will also allow us to more effectively support local and emerging creative communities. Although we work with many prominent international brands, we are also committed to valuing regional representations, which play a crucial role in diverse markets. We have significant plans for the expansion of our digital initiatives, aware that the online world offers endless opportunities to connect communities and design stories. Feedback from industry professionals highlights how our fair is becoming a central fixture on the annual design calendar, similar to the role the Salone del Mobile plays globally. We aspire to continue being the sector’s beating heart, inspiring innovation and collaboration at every step.
