The Design Forum 2024, held on the morning of November 22 at Hilton Al Habtoor City’s Al Joud Ballroom, brought together nearly 400 industry leaders. The event served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, offering professionals the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in the design sector. Discussions covered key topics such as designing for the region’s young, tech-savvy population, fast-track fit-out projects, and a focused panel on digitalisation by suppliers to enhance the customer experience. Attendees gained valuable insights into the rapidly evolving world of architecture and design.

Beyond knowledge exchange, the forum provided an excellent venue for networking, bringing together designers, architects, and industry stakeholders. It created opportunities for participants to forge new relationships, collaborate on future projects, and engage in discussions that will shape the future direction of the design industry. Through these interactions, attendees not only expanded their professional networks but also established meaningful partnerships that inspire innovation and creativity in their work.

A huge thank you to our sponsors:
Gold Sponsors: KLUDI, Numai Real Estate, Havelock One, & Dr Scent
Silver Sponsors: AECOM, Al Shirawi Interiors, & Aujan Interiors
Category Sponsor: Design Infinity
Tech Partner: HP

A big thank you to our supportive speakers for generously sharing their valuable insights and expertise at Design Forum 2024.

Panel 1: Designing for the Region’s Young, Tech-Savvy Population!
Speakers: Professor Louise Valentine, Heriot-Watt University Dubai; Firas Alsahin, 4SPACE; Khadije Hamad, Aedas; Adil Amin, Bluehaus; Kristina Bråteng, B8 Architecture & Design Studio; and the panel was moderated by Muhammad Habsah from U+A

There was a Presentation by Stefan Schmied, Leader, LIXIL IMEA on how GROHE leads the sustainable innovation.

Panel 2: Fast-Track Fit-Out Projects
Speakers: Hamish James, Khansaheb; Geetha Nayak, Design Infinity; Charlie Speechley, Motif Interiors; Prathish Dev, Aujan Interiors; the panel was moderated by Morcos Hanna, Al Shirawi Contracting.

Another exciting Presentation was by Ernest Azzam, Large Format Printing Lead, HP Middle East & Africa, on benefits of large format printers in architecture and design.

Panel 3: Digital Advances by Suppliers Redefine Customer Experience
Speakers: Afsal Mohamed, Light & Lives; Sharon O Keeffe, The Design House; Bachar Gebran, WalkThru Contracting; Sergio Padula, Guzzini Middle East; and the panel was moderated by Sara Guinand from AtkinsRéalis.

Here are the key Video Highlights of the Design Forum 2024:

Video is produced by Alexander Bungas & Eduardo Buenagua.