The inaugural edition of Design Days Dubai, March 18 to 21, will present for the first time in Dubai the opportunities offered by high-end design. International galleries will offer pieces ranging from prototype work to 20th Century classics.

“The appetite for high-end design in Dubai and the Gulf region, as demonstrated by the support to the inaugural Design Days Dubai, marks the maturing of the arts scene in the city. While internationally, high-end design concepts have established a definite niche for itself, Dubai is now breaking the mould with the new initiative,” said Cyril Zammit, Fair Director, Design Days Dubai.

Cyril Zammit

Headlining the fair are design artists including Jedd Novatt, Guy de Rougemont (Galerie Diane de Polignac, Paris); Joseph Walsh (Nilufar, Milan); Frederik Molenschot (Carpenters Workshop Gallery, London/Paris); Christian Astuguvieille (Franziska Kessler, Zurich); Hans Kotter (Priveekollektie, Heusden); Charles Kalpakian (Galerie BSL, Paris) and Vito Selma (Nakkash Gallery, Dubai).

In addition, a number of key players from that have established their presence in Dubai’s fast-growing design industry will showcase their unique collectibles at Design Days Dubai. They include: The Carpenters Workshop Gallery; Downtown Laffanour (Paris); Nulifar (Milan); Seomi; Priveekollektie, and R20 Century (New York); Coletivo Amor de Madre (Brazil); and Croft (Seoul). The fair will also mark the premiere of La Galerie Nationale.

Beirut-based Carwan Gallery, winner of Wallpaper* magazine’s ‘Best Design Award 2012,’ will present ‘New Perspectives in Middle Eastern Crafts’ and Beirut’s Smogallery will exhibit all new design pieces by regional designers Nathalie Khayat, Karim Chaya, Raphael Charles, Najla El Zein, Celia AbouArbid and Majd Bazerji.

Croft's Jaehyo

The fair will also feature ‘Bespoke Design,’ a platform to showcase the production-aspect of design, comprising works by French-design brand Moisonnier and PF Emirates, who will showcase iconic collector pieces by Cassina, Cappellini and Poltrona Frau. These masterpieces bear the signatures of influential designers such as Le Corbusier, Jean-Marie Massaud, Tom Dixon, Alessandro Mendini and Franco Albini, some of which are being featured exclusively for the first time in the Middle East.

“Design Days Dubai aims to set the basis for a new design culture in the region by providing a platform for designers here to understand the shifting trends in high-end design," Zammit added. "The fair also offers the opportunity for the participating galleries to bond with local manufacturers, and potentially reach out to the growing audience for high-end design pieces.”

Design Days Dubai will be held from at a specially designed venue by the base of Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, the flagship mega-development by Emaar Properties. The event is organised in partnership with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), The Address Hotels + Resorts, and design patrons Audi and Van Cleef & Arpels. It also coincides with the contemporary art fair Art Dubai, and is an integral part of Art Week.