From workshops to art installations, there’ll be a whole host of events celebrating Dubai Design Week this month.

Taking place from November 13 to 18, Dubai Design Week will showcase more than 200 projects across the city, all centred around the ultra-cool Dubai Design District (d3).

The weird and the wonderful will be on display: there will be a camel leather design workshop, Swarovski sculptures, the latest in virtual reality, and more.

And the best news? Everything is free.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or a curious rookie, everybody is welcome. All in all, there’ll be more than 200 workshops, activities and exhibitions to choose from.

Here’s our pick of the bunch…

Global Grad Show

Discover more than 200 revolutionary inventions from some of the greatest young minds across 90 international universities. You’ll get an impressive overview of what the world’s emerging designers are working on, and a first glimpse at the technologies that will shape our future. Top tip: look out for TreeSense, a sensory virtual reality system that transforms your bodily movements into a tree.

When: November 14 to 18, 10am to 9.30pm

Where: D3 Waterfront, Dubai Design District

Abwab

The Abwab exhibition (abwab means ‘doors’ in Arabic) is a highlight of Dubai Design Week offering a snapshot of regional design talent from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The exhibition is a sight in itself designed using recovered bedsprings.

When: November 14 to 18, 10am to 10pm

Where: Between buildings 4&6, Dubai Design District

Sir David Adjaye

Experience an evening with one of the world’s most influential architects and designers, Sir David Adjaye, in conversation with Sultan Al Qassemi as they discuss how Adjaye approaches the creative process of first imagining his buildings.

When: November 13, 7pm to 8pm

Where: DXBDW Mainstage – Building 4, Dubai Design District

Bearbrick exhibition

You’ll have seen Bearbricks before – they’re the collectible toys that look like a Lego figure mixed with a teddy bear. Discover the art and sense of fun behind these iconic vinyl bears at this exhibition, which traces the personal journey of an enthusiastic collector.

When: November 13 to 18, 9am to 10pm

Where: Ground Floor, Building 7, Dubai Design District (d3)

Zaha Hadid Architects open gallery

Sneak a peek around the offices of one of the greatest architects. The current exhibits include a display of 3D-printed models, as well as a timeline of ZHA projects, ranging from early paintings and competition entries to ongoing developments.

When: November 14 to 18, 10am to 10pm

Where: Office 503, Building 8, Dubai Design District

Iconic City: Loading… Casa

Every year the event has an exhibition that concentrates on a destination. This year it’s Casablanca, and contains work from sound engineers, filmmakers, photographer and other creative artists to explore this constantly evolving city.

When: November 14 to 18, 10am to 10pm

Where: Dubai Design District

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR:

Super design market

A new addition this year to Dubai Design Week is the Super Design Market, an exclusive retail pop-up. The selection is a carefully curated mixture of design brands that do not have a stand-alone retail presence elsewhere in Dubai. You’ll find a range of contemporary gifts and homeware products including these handmade dolls designed by Alexander Girard.

THE DETAILS

When: November 13 to 18

Where: Dubai Design District, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 5631426. Taxi: Dubai Design District. Check out their website for more.

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