Dubai Design District Initiates Call for Entries to New d3 Awards Celebrating Architecture Talent
Dubai Design District (d3) has officially launched an exciting open call for its inaugural d3 Awards, a new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the emerging talent within the architecture and design sectors of the MENA region. This initiative is part of d3's efforts to commemorate 'Beyond a Decade of Design' and contributes to the evolving creative landscape of Dubai.
The d3 Awards are particularly aimed at young architects and designers, including those who specialize in interior, landscape, and spatial design. The call for entries emphasizes the importance of innovative perspectives and practices in the field. To encourage a strong competitive spirit, the awards feature a substantial financial prize of AED 100,000 for the winner, fostering an environment that not only celebrates achievement but also provides tangible support for promising talent.
Khadija Al Bastaki, the Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, expressed the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting emerging design talent in the region. She stated, “The d3 Awards marks a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent and showcasing the industry's brightest minds. Through platforms such as Dubai Design Week, our ecosystem is promoting talent from the region and encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through design expertise.” This underscores d3's commitment to contributing to the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy alongside the Design Sector Strategy 2033, aiming to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for design excellence.
The winner of the inaugural awards will be announced during the well-known Dubai Design Week, scheduled from 4-9 November 2025. This event is a key highlight in the region's design calendar, drawing architects, designers, and creative practitioners from around the world. Participants can expect a rich program comprising installations, special commissions, exhibitions, activations, talks, and workshops, further enriching their experience within the vibrant design community.
The eligibility criteria for the d3 Awards are tailored to cater to both emerging talent and established practitioners within the industry. Designers eligible to apply must either be graduating students in their final year or experienced professionals with up to five years of practice, residing or holding citizenship in the MENA region. Individual, duo, or small collective applications (maximum four members) are welcomed, fostering collaboration and creative synergy among budding designers.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 17 October 2025, and interested participants can find more information and submit their proposals at the official d3 Awards website www.d3awards.com. Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their proposals alongside the prestigious d3 Architecture Exhibition, held in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects. Proposals will be evaluated based on numerous criteria, including originality, practicality, accessibility, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
The d3 Awards are not merely a one-time event; they are envisioned to evolve in each edition, adapting to the dynamic nature of the design sector. Future awards may spotlight other disciplines within design, such as product design, fashion, digital design, or even design for social impact.
Dubai Design District today thrives as a vibrant hub of creative enterprise, home to over 1,100 creative businesses and 20,000 professionals, including SME's, startups, and international brands. This thriving ecosystem is further enriched by existing partnerships with academic institutions like the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), ensuring a steady influx of new talent and innovative ideas into the region’s design landscape. With a commitment to nurturing young talent, the d3 Awards align perfectly with the overarching goals of the Dubai Creative Economy, encouraging a bold vision for the future of design in the Middle East.
As the deadline approaches and anticipation builds, the d3 Awards are set to become a pivotal moment in the design community, inspiring creativity, collaboration, and excellence across the MENA region.
The d3 Awards are particularly aimed at young architects and designers, including those who specialize in interior, landscape, and spatial design. The call for entries emphasizes the importance of innovative perspectives and practices in the field. To encourage a strong competitive spirit, the awards feature a substantial financial prize of AED 100,000 for the winner, fostering an environment that not only celebrates achievement but also provides tangible support for promising talent.
Khadija Al Bastaki, the Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, expressed the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting emerging design talent in the region. She stated, “The d3 Awards marks a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent and showcasing the industry's brightest minds. Through platforms such as Dubai Design Week, our ecosystem is promoting talent from the region and encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through design expertise.” This underscores d3's commitment to contributing to the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy alongside the Design Sector Strategy 2033, aiming to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for design excellence.
The winner of the inaugural awards will be announced during the well-known Dubai Design Week, scheduled from 4-9 November 2025. This event is a key highlight in the region's design calendar, drawing architects, designers, and creative practitioners from around the world. Participants can expect a rich program comprising installations, special commissions, exhibitions, activations, talks, and workshops, further enriching their experience within the vibrant design community.
The eligibility criteria for the d3 Awards are tailored to cater to both emerging talent and established practitioners within the industry. Designers eligible to apply must either be graduating students in their final year or experienced professionals with up to five years of practice, residing or holding citizenship in the MENA region. Individual, duo, or small collective applications (maximum four members) are welcomed, fostering collaboration and creative synergy among budding designers.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 17 October 2025, and interested participants can find more information and submit their proposals at the official d3 Awards website www.d3awards.com. Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their proposals alongside the prestigious d3 Architecture Exhibition, held in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects. Proposals will be evaluated based on numerous criteria, including originality, practicality, accessibility, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
The d3 Awards are not merely a one-time event; they are envisioned to evolve in each edition, adapting to the dynamic nature of the design sector. Future awards may spotlight other disciplines within design, such as product design, fashion, digital design, or even design for social impact.
Dubai Design District today thrives as a vibrant hub of creative enterprise, home to over 1,100 creative businesses and 20,000 professionals, including SME's, startups, and international brands. This thriving ecosystem is further enriched by existing partnerships with academic institutions like the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), ensuring a steady influx of new talent and innovative ideas into the region’s design landscape. With a commitment to nurturing young talent, the d3 Awards align perfectly with the overarching goals of the Dubai Creative Economy, encouraging a bold vision for the future of design in the Middle East.
As the deadline approaches and anticipation builds, the d3 Awards are set to become a pivotal moment in the design community, inspiring creativity, collaboration, and excellence across the MENA region.
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