This exhibition celebrated the region’s vibrant creative landscape by uniting emerging and established designers from South Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Showcasing creativity from across the region, Downtown Design highlighted the depth and diversity of local design talent, from emerging studios and cultural initiatives to international collaborations. That year’s highlights included Pakistan’s mother-son duo Saira Ahsan and Yousaf Shahbaz, Saudi Arabia’s Designed in Saudi initiative, Egyptian sister-design duo Doodle & The Gang’s collaboration with Hands Carpets, and BEIT Collective’s cross-cultural craftsmanship from Lebanon.

The UAE’s design scene took centre stage with MAKE’s Athath Fellowship debut, Tashkeel’s Tanween Design Programme returning with nine sustainable design innovators, and Sharjah’s 1971 Design Space showcasing experimental works from Egyptian designers.

The exhibition expanded its curatorial reach with mentorship from Nada Debs, fostering visibility for emerging talent.

Complementing these were international debuts, including Buccellati’s pop-up by david/nicolas, Stellar Works’ Dubai launch designed by Omar Al Gurg, and immersive presentations from Nordic Homeworx and Jaipur Rugs.

Together, these exhibits revealed how the region’s design dialogue continued to bridge heritage and innovation, shaping a forward-looking creative identity rooted in cultural authenticity.