DUBAI, UAE — Dubai Design Week returned for its eighth edition this month, gathering regional and international talent at the D3 Design District. The theme, "Design with Impact," focused on sustainability and environmentally conscious living.  

Running Nov. 8-13, the fair coincided with the first week of COP27, the global climate summit this year held in Sharm Al Sheikh, Egypt. With Dubai set to host COP28 next year, sustainability is on the United Arab Emirates’ mind and the creative industries are quick to explore materials and methods that will leave a positive mark on the environment.

“We have engaged with regional and international architects and designers, asking them to showcase an exclusive work that has a positive effect on the environment,” DDW director Kate Barry told Al-Monitor. “Impact can be driven through the innovation of new materials, recycling and/or upcycling. ‘Design with Impact’ expresses the different facets of how we can design a better future.”

To engage the public, the program includes a series of immersive installations using eco-friendly materials to draw attention to environmental issues.