Dubai Design District launches a week-long Rethink Art exhibition
Dubai Design District (d3) has announced a new global campaign for the post-pandemic world: Rethink the Regular.
To rebuild and revitalise communities, promote growth and stimulate the UAE’s knowledge and innovation-based economy, the campaign encourages the world’s most brilliant minds to come together and see design in a new light.
The international initiative will promote Dubai as global destination for the creative industries that offers opportunities for students, startups, entrepreneurs and multinational corporations alike.
To kick it off, d3 has today launched a week-long Rethink Art exhibition. His Highness Sheikh Zayed’s official Range Rover, an original Dodge Challenger from The Dukes of Hazzard and a 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud are among 15 classic cars have raced into the business district for the event, running from March 28- April 3, 2021.
Eye-catching installations, art exhibitions, fashion pop-ups, and mouth-watering special food menus celebrating global cuisine will also be available to the community and wider public, with a series of free workshops from Tashkeel, the Dubai-based multidisciplinary art and design organisation, also taking place. Three restaurants – Emirati eatery Smat, Italian street food destination Vicolo, and the wellness-inspired Anamoia Café – have created special discounted menus for Rethink Art.
The week-long event encouraging people to see design from a new perspective aims to celebrate the diversity of talent in the region’s largest creative hub. It comes after contemporary US street artist Shepard Fairey – the man behind the iconic Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster – unveiled two new murals in d3, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global destination for art and design.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of d3, said: “Since d3 was established in 2013, it has served as the region’s go-to destination for creativity. As the world continues to face unprecedented changes, it is important to stay ahead of the game – by rethinking what has been done before, we will be able to conceptualise and build more robust economies that can withstand the test of time. This will help Dubai become one of the best cities in the world. Design plays a critical role in this new vision as it transcends all boundaries, it holds to key to innovation and humanises technology. Through our Rethink the Regular campaign, we aim to inspire people and businesses to create new ideas and concepts in Dubai that move the world forward. We are excited to kick off this global campaign with our inaugural exhibition celebrating the diversity of d3’s talent by bringing new artistic and culinary experiences to Dubai that reflects our rich heritage and pioneering vision for the future.”
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Al Andalus mixed-use complex in Kuwait’s Hawally District by SSH is showing great progress!
SSH is proud to be working with Ajial Real Estate and Entertainment Company on the design and construction supervision of Al Andalus Mixed-use Complex, located in Kuwait’s Hawally District.
While conserving Kuwait’s traditional architectural identity and urban aspect, the project will offer various services for the public to enjoy, such as food and beverage outlets, retail and entertainment spaces that include 11 cinemas and a gymnasium, and also offices and clinics. The project is spread across more than 40,000 sqm and is linked by a pedestrian bridge to an existing multilevel car park with approximately 1,200 parking bays.
Cleverly designed outdoor spaces compliment the mall component, offering visitors a square plaza located outside, as well as patios, walkways and balconies among its seating areas allocated for the various food and beverage outlets.
“SSH is honoured to be working with Ajial Real Estate and Entertainment Company on a project of this stature, which is set to become a significant entertainment hub in Kuwait’s popular Hawally District,” said Khalil Alonaizi, Resident Director – Kuwait, at SSH. “The fact that the client awarded us this project based on our experience and expertise in the design of mixed-use retail and entertainment complexes in Kuwait, further strengthens our vision and mission to deliver another landmark project and to exceed our client’s expectations.”
The project is now 50% complete, with all the structural works done and architectural finishes proceeding for the tower elevations and inside floors.
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Hala Badri follows up with creative entrepreneurs at Dubai Design District
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is proceeding with its efforts to engage with the local creative community and motivate its pioneers to enrich Dubai’s cultural scene with their contributions. In this context, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, toured some of the retail stores and showrooms in the creative complex at Dubai Design District, which is considered an ideal platform for design talent in the emirate.
Hala Badri was accompanied by Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of Dubai Design District, and viewed the exhibits created by Emiratis and UAE residents, whereby she discussed work conditions and prospects for development with some entrepreneurs.
The Director General stressed that this visit falls in line with the Authority’s keenness to follow up with Dubai’s cultural scene and the creativity instilled within it. She said: “Dubai Culture is committed to exercising its role of supporting, encouraging, directing and organising cultural work in the emirate as part of the Authority’s vision to maintaining its proximity to the artists and creators who constitute the pulse of the creative community to motivate and encourage them. Dubai Design District is a home for design entrepreneurs who empower the local design industry and push forward the innovation process that shapes the cultural movement in the emirate.
Badri added: “Dubai Culture is keen to nurture and embrace the distinguished local design talents as well as to provide an environment that would support their growth and promote their businesses on their path towards broader horizons; this contributes to the advancement of this vital sector that is supportive of the national economy. As such, the Authority is strengthening its cooperation with its partners who are active in the creative sector, such as Dubai Design District with whom we have been associated with since its establishment. We will continue our joint cooperation through which we seek to consolidate Dubai’s position as a promising global destination in the field of design as well as its cultural footprint on the global stage.”
Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of Dubai Design District, said: “As a key contributor to the creative and design ecosystem in Dubai, we are proud to be working closely with the Dubai Culture team to cement Dubai’s position as a leading international hub for innovation and talent. This visit is an opportunity to showcase the key milestones D3 and its partners have accomplished over the years, including the achievement of sub-sectors, such as architecture, fashion, art and design.”
Al Bastaki added: “Today, our robust design community caters to the needs of local and international companies by empowering talents and facilitating their networking and business opportunities. We are proud to be home to some of the world’s leading design entities and talents that collectively shape the emirate’s knowledge- and innovation-based economy.”
The tour included a visit to the Fatima Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Initiative, Hessa Al Falasi (shop), Dubai Institute of Design, Styled Habitat (interior design studio), Noor The Label (fashion store), Consentino, Michael Cinco (fashion store), AlBAL (design studio), Maison Yeya (fashion store), Nafs (fashion store), N.Sefi Jewellery & Piercings, and The Cap Project (women fashion).
This visit came as part of the vital role played by Dubai Culture as the custodian of the cultural sector in the emirate. It also forms part of the priorities of the Authority’s updated strategy that is aimed at empowering creativity and innovators and enhancing the creative economy in the emirate as well as at consolidating Dubai’s position as a global centre for art and culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
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Dubai Design District offers great discounts for Dubai Home Festival
To promote Dubai’s retail industry and support homegrown and international furniture, interior design and homeware brands, retailers in Dubai Design District (d3) will offer discounted shopping and the chance to win AED50,000 during this year’s Dubai Home Festival (DHF).
d3 has partnered with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), organisers of DHF, to provide incredible deals and encourage people to explore the district. Marking the first time that d3 has collaborated with DFRE on the annual festival, the exciting initiative will run from October 3-10, 2020, as a part of d3’s commitment to champion its retail-focussed business partners.
More than 20 luxury and boutique homeware and furniture retailers located in the stylish and innovative landmark district will offer shoppers discounts of up to 40 per cent, with every purchase securing entry to a competition to win a voucher worth AED50,000. This can be redeemed at any of the participating d3 homeware stores or showrooms, which sell premium and well-known brands such as Archiade, Armani Casa, Kohler, Ligne Roset, Molteni and Vitra.
Commenting on the initiative, Khadija Al Bastaki, executive director of d3, said: “Our community is home to many local and international home interior brands and retailers, so being part of the Dubai Home Festival allows us an opportunity promote this brilliant collection. It’s also a great opportunity to open up our doors to people who’ve always had a passion for interior design and are curious to find out how they can incorporate some of the world’s best products in their homes. We’re excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to welcoming people back to our community – at a safe, social distance.”
Second phase of The District Al Faisaliah redevelopment project in Riyadh begins
Al Khozama Company, the luxury hospitality and property management company, has confirmed the start of the second phase of its ambitious The District Al Faisaliah redevelopment project, incorporating Al Faisaliah Tower, Al Khairiah Towers, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama and the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall in the Olaya District.
The visionary project will further strengthen the global recognition of Riyadh as the ultimate Middle East destination city linking true Saudi heritage with world-class hospitality, retail and entertainment.
The first phase of The District project announced in 2017 saw the refurbishment and expansion of the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall, extending its square-metre footprint by 20 percent to offer premium retail space of 35,400m², and to introduce internationally renowned restaurant brands to the Kingdom, including Yauatcha, Meraki, Mamo Michelangelo, La Petite Maison and La Brasserie.
In close proximity to the mall, the world-renowned Al Faisaliah Hotel, which has welcomed global leaders and high-profile guests for more than 20 years, is also currently undergoing renovation as part of this phase and is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The second phase of The District transformation incorporates futuristic architectural design with intelligent urban planning, to create the perfect integration of contemporary retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality, well-being, and residential living.
The redevelopment includes a cinema complex with 9 movie screens, and fully landscaped outdoor green areas with water features and leisure amenities. Direct access to the Riyadh Metro, and a five-level underground parking facility for more than 1,000 cars, ensures the ultimate in convenience, safety and easy accessibility for Riyadh’s residents and visitors.
As part of the redevelopment, the historic Hotel Al Khozama – one of the first hotels to open in Riyadh more than forty years ago – will close in August 2020, and will be replaced with a new contemporary 5-star hotel that will deliver the hospitality brand’s exemplary customer service for a new generation.
Commenting on the significant role the company continues to play in real estate development in the Kingdom, and particularly in Riyadh, H.H. Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Chairman Al Khozama said: “The strategy followed by Al Khozama Company is aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision in creating new benchmarks and opportunities for excellence, and contributing to the country’s long-term success. The District is one such example.”
The SAR 2-billion The District redevelopment project, designed by award-winning USA based architectural firm Gensler, is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Dubai Design District and Serviceplan Middle East launch Distant Neighbours initiative
This calls for a big round of applause! To connect the world and bring communities together during the global health crisis, a unique social design project called Distant Neighbours has been launched on Instagram, backed by Dubai Design District (d3) in collaboration with its business partner, Serviceplan Middle East.
It reflects urban society in an age of social distancing and aims to address the loneliness and isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic by inviting everyone to provide a snapshot of their homes which becomes part of an ever-evolving virtual residential tower.
Distant Neighbours uses the Instagram grid to create the impression of a skyscraper façade, with each window offering a glimpse into the individuality of every abode. Silhouetted illustrations are drawn by Argentina-based, Dubai-educated artist Michelle Peric, who uses them as cover pictures, bringing to life the concept of living under the same roof.
Instagram followers of @Distant.Neighbours are invited to share pictures showing distinctive features of their home and provide insight about themselves and their community. Each submission receives a personalised illustrated cover created in real-time. Once featured, the person is tagged with their own apartment number and they become part of this virtual residence. There has been great camaraderie between the neighbours since the project went live.
Khadija Al Bastaki, executive director of d3, said: “We continue to witness exceptional circumstances every day and taking a step back to reflect, appreciate one another and share experiences is important as we gradually return to a new normal. Distant Neighbours is an exciting, Dubai-based creative platform that brings people together to connect, collaborate and co-create at a time when socially responsible design has never been so important. With social distancing measures still in place around the world, our community will embrace the opportunity to express itself and join this ever-evolving virtual residential tower to showcase local talent.
Distant Neighbours is a special project for illustrator Michelle Peric, since quarantine has affected every person in the world, and being able to capture intimate, personal moments and moods is something she aspires to capture. These stories will be relevant throughout our times, as the experiences illustrated resonates within each of us that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has shaped our way of living under quarantine.
Through this project, Serviceplan Middle East and d3 hope to empathise, reconnect, and reflect with a sense of wonder and sympathy during such a strange time for humanity.
Check out this cool video: