Downtown Design will be held on Oct. 28-31, 2014 at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Emaar's flagship development Downtown Dubai under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). The fair, organized by the team behind the Art Dubai Group, is testament to its emerging role as a catalyst for the design scene in the UAE and the region, supporting the transformation of Dubai as a design hub that will create opportunities and jobs and encourage new talent and entrepreneurs to explore the sector. “Events such as Downtown Design demonstrate the commercial benefits of operating in Dubai and the huge potential the entire region holds for international brands. Downtown Design offers a platform for design brands to capture the significant real estate developments recently announced in Dubai and the region, including preparation for Dubai Expo 2020 which offers the design industry countless opportunities,” said Benedict Floyd, Co-Founder and CEO of the Art Dubai Group. By focusing on upscale interiors, the fair is aligned with the current resurgence in the GCC construction sector. The property market in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar is expected to record an average growth of 9-10 percent in 2015, with $1.53 trillion worth of projects under construction in the GCC between now and 2025, according to industry experts. Now in its second edition, this year's fair has adopted the theme of “Original Design.” Featuring a curated selection of the world's trendsetting brands, that all share what fair Director Cristina Romelli-Gervasoni calls “originality in the quality of materials, the attention to detail, the superior craftsmanship and the thoughtful design that distinguish an original piece from an imitation.” Visitors to the Downtown Design can enjoy a carefully curated selection of exciting original pieces as well as experiential installations that integrate heritage with technology-driven innovations. The program will include an expanded series of talks, workshops and interactive spaces that encourage collaboration between developers, architects and designers and offer design enthusiasts a unique opportunity to interact with the world's design leaders. — SG
