What’s On previews Design Days Dubai 2015, the fourth edition of the leading event for design and art in Dubai, taking place March 16 to 20.

The fourth edition of the annual Design Days Dubai brings 44 of the world’s most intriguing and inventive design galleries to Downtown in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.

The fair, the most comprehensive in the region, presents the public with the highest quality in collectible and limited-edition design objects and furniture, not to mention some outside the box installations that you might find in a top design museum. It’s possible to visit the very best of design from Paris, Sao Paolo, Cape Town, and Beirut – no plane ticket required.

This year’s fair reflects the exciting rise of regional design and introduces a UAE audience to nearly 20 designers and galleries with roots in the Middle East, including Nada Debs, Beirut’s legendary designer known for her Eastern-inspired modern furniture, and Aljoud Lootah, a local designer who will unveil her first promising collection.

Everything presented at Design Days Dubai is available to buy, and the fair is the perfect opportunity to define your taste or acquire a treasure for the home. There are also talks on design, performances, and interactive workshops at the five-day event.

Design Days Dubai 2015 preview

ART SPEAK
Design Days director Cyril Zammit gives us his highlights and offers advice on how to buy…

What excites you about this year’s fair? We are pleased to welcome new galleries such as Chamber NYC, David Gill Galleries, Gallery FUMI (see over the page), and Gallery ALL. At the same time we’re delighted to see returning galleries that have been present since 2012 such as Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Nakkash Gallery.

What is unmissable this year? The world premiere of Cloud by Commonplace Studio, an amazing installation specially commissioned for Design Days Dubai.

Do you see Dubai as a global design hub? Yes, I believe our country is blessed with the magical formula to succeed: political vision and support, positive energy and creative minds, a great industry base and good education platforms.

Design Days Dubai 2015 preview

Art expert Zammit says buy it because you love it…

Research Consider the rarity of the piece (is it limited-edition?), the name of the designer, if any museum has purchased any piece for their own collection, and the material.
Ask I invite our guests to visit, browse, and ask the gallery representatives all your questions. The most obvious object might have taken years to be produced and exhibited.
Money Price is an important element when purchasing a design piece but do bear in mind the craftsmanship, prototyping process, duration of process
Investment The piece you buy from a gallery this year will undoubtedly increase in value unlike objects picked up in stores. Design is an investment.
Love Remember the golden rule: Before anything else, buy a design creation because you love it.

March 16 to 20
The Venue, Downtown Dubai, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 3842002. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. designdaysdubai.ae