Dubai Design District (d3) Celebrates Milestone Anniversary: A Decade of Design Excellence and Global Impact

Dubai Design District (d3), part of Tecom Group PJSC, recently celebrated over a decade of fostering creativity, innovation, and design excellence in Dubai. As a global creative ecosystem, d3 has played a key role in solidifying Dubai’s position as a premier destination for design, attracting top-tier talent and global companies to its thriving community.

A Vision Realized: Empowering Design and Creativity

Since its inception in 2015, d3 has become the epicenter of the design, fashion, and creative industries, evolving into a hub for over 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals. The district was founded with the vision of transforming regional design expertise into globally impactful results. “Dubai Design District (d3) was founded with a vision to transform regional design prowess into globally impactful results,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3. Over the years, it has contributed significantly to Dubai’s knowledge economy by nurturing the creative community and championing design and innovation.

To mark the occasion, d3 hosted the special event “Beyond a Decade of Design,” where global industry leaders reflected on the district’s journey and its contribution to Dubai’s creative economy. The event also highlighted the district’s plans for expansion, which includes the development of more than 500,000 sq.ft. of new premium spaces to meet the growing demand from international companies in the creative sector.

A Vision for the Future: d3’s Expanding Footprint

The upcoming expansion of d3 will enhance the district’s appeal as a global creative hub, adding six Grade-A office buildings and offering over 500,000 sq.ft. of gross leasable area (GLA). This development, valued at Dh825 million, will provide state-of-the-art office spaces designed with LEED certification standards and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. The expansion is set for completion by the first half of 2028, and will include community spaces, sports facilities, fine dining options, and ample parking, ensuring a holistic environment for businesses and creative professionals to thrive.

Fostering Future Talent: The d3 Design Award

As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, d3 introduced the d3 Design Award, a prestigious platform that will recognize outstanding design talent in the region. The award aims to encourage and celebrate local designers, with the inaugural winner to be announced during Dubai Design Week in November. Through this initiative, d3 reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of design leaders, providing them with the recognition and exposure they deserve.

In addition to the award, d3 is also publishing a commemorative illustrated book that will showcase the work of Dubai’s most talented and inspiring designers. This memento will be distributed at global design events, further promoting the work of Emirati designers on the international stage.

A Dynamic Ecosystem for Creativity and Innovation

d3 is home to three academic institutions and hosts over 100 events each year, including high-profile platforms such as Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week. As part of Tecom Group’s in5 incubator, the district also supports startups in the design sector, having already assisted more than 120 startups since its inception. This commitment to nurturing emerging talent underscores d3’s role as a catalyst for growth and innovation in Dubai’s creative industries.

A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation

With its ambitious expansion plans, the launch of the d3 Design Award, and a continued focus on fostering talent and collaboration, Dubai Design District is well on its way to further solidifying its legacy as a beacon of design excellence. As part of Tecom Group’s diverse portfolio of specialized business districts, d3 continues to lead the charge in positioning Dubai as a global creative hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, and Design Sector Strategy 2033.

In the years to come, Dubai Design District (d3) will continue to serve as a dynamic platform for creativity, innovation, and design, contributing to the vibrant cultural and economic landscape of Dubai and beyond.