16 ESSENTIALS 28 WORTHA THOUSAND WORDS 34 GRAND DESIGNS

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Mildred Watkins
5 years ago
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Art returns for its I 0th edition with an eclectic cultural programme We

2 16 ESSENTIALS 28 WORTHA THOUSAND WORDS 34 GRAND DESIGNS Our pick of the UAE's top attractions, events, shopping spaces and activities Abu Dhabi Art returns for its I 0th edition with an eclectic cultural programme We highlight Dubai Design Week's must-visit exhibitions as another edition beckons

<D 0 - D J D 0 rn rn 0. 0. <( "' Grand designs I Concierge meets Rowan Kashkoush, creative director of Dubai Design Week, to

The emirate begins to buzz with new exhibitions, gallery openings, art events and more- and the biggest of them all is the

This year's edition, which takes place from November 12 to 17, will be the biggest ever, with more than 120 institutions set

Given that the 2017 edition saw more than 60,000 visitors descend on d3 alone, you can expect a creative celebration quite

The week will feature a packed schedule of exhibitions, commissioned installations, talks, tours and workshops.

app, created to help visitors navigate their way around, personalise their schedules and even receive notifications for hot

The same week will see the long-anticipated opening of Jameel Arts Centre, the first contemporary arts museum in Dubai, as

For Rawan Kashkoush, creative director ofdubai Desi gn Week, the event is an opportunity to showcase not just the emirate

3 <D 0 - D J D 0 rn rn <( "' Grand designs I Concierge meets Rowan Kashkoush, creative director of Dubai Design Week, to chat about the upcoming festival The arrival of autumn signals a shift in Dubai's creative calendar. The emirate begins to buzz with new exhibitions, gallery openings, art events and more- and the biggest of them all is the annual Dubai Design Week. This year's edition, which takes place from November 12 to 17, will be the biggest ever, with more than 120 institutions set to participate in around 230 events taking place at Dubai Design District (d3) and various locations across the city. Given that the 2017 edition saw more than 60,000 visitors descend on d3 alone, you can expect a creative celebration quite unlike any other. The week will feature a packed schedule of exhibitions, commissioned installations, talks, tours and workshops. If that sounds like a lot to keep track of, never fear will also see the launch of the first-ever Dubai Design Week app, created to help visitors navigate their way around, personalise their schedules and even receive notifications for hot new launches and events that they won't want to miss. And it's set to be a festival full of firsts. The same week will see the long-anticipated opening of Jameel Arts Centre, the first contemporary arts museum in Dubai, as well as the inaugural Fikra Graphic Design Biennial in Sharjah, the first event of its kind in the region. For Rawan Kashkoush, creative director ofdubai Desi gn Week, the event is an opportunity to showcase not just the emirate but also the surrounding region to the rest of the world. "Here in Dubai, we are privileged to have governmental and commercial support for our creative endeavours, which a lot of our neighbours in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa don't have. So it's great that we can provide a platform for these areas and function as a gateway to the rest of the world." Aljoud Loot reesh Collection. Du ai Design Week 2017

of innovation. I think designers can feel confident, particularly those in a niche industry, that Dubai is a good place to begin their careers, fine-tune their skills and develop creatively.

4 DUBAI DESIGN WEEK/CANVAS Kashkoush has been with Dubai Design Week since its inception in 2015, and her enthusiasm for the event is palpable. "One of the things I find so exciting about Dubai is that there is this freedom to experiment, because the leader of the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is so support ive of innovation. I think designers can feel confident, particularly those in a niche industry, that Dubai is a good place to begin their careers, fine-tune their skills and develop creatively." Downtown Design, a key aspect of Dubai Design Week, is one example of how creatives in the city are being supported. From November 13 to 16, you can browse more than 175 local and inter national premium design brands at the limited edition collection design fair, which functions as the retail platform of the show. "It puts money in the pockets of designers - at the end of the day, we are trying to build creative careers and really give them legitimacy," notes Kashkoush will also see the launch of the first-ever Dubai Design Week app Abwab Upcoming Propamme

Ape Creative. 'Byahe A Typographic Exploration' at FN Designs.

its Global Grad Show, the world's larg est exhibition of graduate design projects from universities across the globe.

' It brings together the culmination of 12 months ofresearch and dedication.

5 Ape Creative. 'Byahe A Typographic Exploration' at FN Designs. Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Design Week 2016 Dubai Design Week also looks to the future with its Global Grad Show As well as supporting creative careers, Dubai Design Week also looks to the future with its Global Grad Show, the world's larg est exhibition of graduate design projects from universities across the globe. "It's a must-see exhibition that asks the question, 'what are our problems and what are the designers ofthe future trying to respond to, today?' It brings together the culmination of 12 months ofresearch and dedication." Sustainability is a key theme throughout the festival and the popular main stage talks in Dubai Design District will include a vari ety ofkeynote speeches and panels on how to future-proofthe cities ofthe region and preserve not only resources but also their culture. For those who feel inspired to embrace their own creativity, the week will feature a series of theoretical and practical workshops. "We have something called The Making Space and it's a place to get really hands-on and tactile with your creativity. We have sessions for both adults and children." Kashkoush beli,-es that this, the fourth edition ofdubai Design Week, may be the best one yet in terms of regional talent. She is excited for this year's regional design showcase Abwab, which means 'doorway' in Arabic. "It's an annual exploration ofdifferent themes through design. This year, we are exploring the theme ofstorytelling and how design can be a vehicle for cultural exchange and commu nicating particular messages and ideas, through physical experiences and interactive exhibitions. "We've challenged five design teams to collaborate for the first time on a particular topic or idea. It's an exciting way to push people to be themselves but also learn to work together.",.;!',,, Taiwan esig ers' Week-Flexible Love. Dubai Design Week 2016/

DUBAI DESIGN WEEK /CANVAS "It's all about learning what it means to be a designer by way of being human" Abwab Bahrain, Dubai Design Week 2016 For those visiting Dubai

"Don't forget to explore 'vertically' - there are so many studios and galleries in the upper floors ofd3's buildings with lots offree talks and workshops on offer.

6 DUBAI DESIGN WEEK /CANVAS "It's all about learning what it means to be a designer by way of being human" Abwab Bahrain, Dubai Design Week 2016 For those visiting Dubai Design Week for the first time, Kashk oush recommends starting and ending in d3. "Don't forget to explore 'vertically' - there are so many studios and galleries in the upper floors ofd3's buildings with lots offree talks and workshops on offer. "And don't miss our series ofarchitectural tours, a brand new event for 2018, taking place across the city. One ofthese is a tour of the brand newjameel Arts Centre, led by the architect who designed it, Christopher Lee of London-based Serie Architects. "Finally, I would also love it ifeveryone checked out 'Ways We Eat' our specially designed walking food tour ofkarama with Frying Pan Adventures on November 13. You'll learn how food culture affects the cutlery you use, the way you sit and more. It's all about learning what it means to be a designer by way ofbeing human." For more information S dubaidesignweek.ae

THE LAST WORD The internationally acclaimed interior designer is in town to unveil a new furniture collection at Dubai Design Week and also launch her latest book 1;. f; Dubai is truly unique!

And this blend of traditional and contemporary, local and global, authentic and eclectic, is also a reflection of my personal aesthetic as a designer.

the world. It is one of the best ways to gain ground in a market so discerning. We've previously had commissions in Dubai, but this would be a full-scale entry into the industry here.

7 THE LAST WORD The internationally acclaimed interior designer is in town to unveil a new furniture collection at Dubai Design Week and also launch her latest book 1;. f; Dubai is truly unique! Holding the perfect balance between its cultural heritage and modern development, it's the epitome of change. And this blend of traditional and contemporary, local and global, authentic and eclectic, is also a reflection of my personal aesthetic as a designer. It is no coincidence that we decided to launch our Leyla Uluhanli Interiors Studio brand through an event like Dubai Design Week, where I'll have the chance to showcase my new furniture collection to the world. It is one of the best ways to gain ground in a market so discerning. We've previously had commissions in Dubai, but this would be a full-scale entry into the industry here. As a designer, I find that there are sources for inspiration everywhere you look. I try not to limit myself to a specific style or aesthetic but rather draw from my personal life and heritage, the characters of my clients as well as timeless works by acclaimed artists. In recent years, Dubai has embraced some of the most interesting trends, shifting towards a more minimalistic approach, focusing on light, soothing colours as well as nature-friendly, landscape-conscious and sustainable designs. I admire the way that global design trends are adapted to the region's intrinsic stylistic, visual and cultural complexity. The city stays true to its roots without lingering in the past and this is not easy to achieve. It's amazing how this city is still undergoing rapid transformation. I come here mostly for business and each time, I find so many wonderful new things. The city grows more beautiful with each visit with changes to its formidable skyline, impressive coast and public spaces. This year, to commemorate the Year ofzayed, I will also be launching my book Mosques: Splendors of Islam in Dubai, which celebrates iconic mosques including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as it is one of the most impressive holy sites in the world. I'll definitely be spending a lot of time at Dubai Design District, so I can soak in the atmosphere and closely study the work of the best local creative minds. And I'm also looking forward to visiting the new Jam eel Arts Center. I love staying atjumeirah Dar Al Masyaf whenever I am in the city for its easy access to extensive leisure facilities, ultimate privacy and the beach, which I consider one of the best in Dubai. On every trip, I also make plans to dine at La Petite Maison, enjoying its choice of delectable French cuisine. I urge everyone who comes to Dubai to try and look past the bright and bold modern cityscape and soak in the rich culture. Look for traces of the local heritage in the architecture, grab a slice of the local food scene and experience it to the fullest. Hopefully, either my work or my travels will bring me back to Dubai soon. And regardless of whether I'll be vacationing or working on a new project, I will always find time for two things. First, exploring the city's public spaces and secondly, visiting the new museums and galleries, both of which are testament to the region's tremendous progress. GI leylauluhanli.com

WHAT MADE MIDDLE EASTERN ART HEADLINES IN THE

WHAT MADE MIDDLE EASTERN ART HEADLINES IN THE NEWS65 15 2015 EXPANDING HORIZONS AT DUBAI S ALSERKAL AVENUE Creative hub Alserkal Avenue, located in Dubai s Al-Quoz district, may have had its origins as