Colab, the first purpose-built material library in the UAE based in Dubai Design District (d3), is opening its virtual doors to engage the UAE’s students with a curated schedule of inspiring talks. The launch of its ‘SHARE ( شا رك )’ campaign, aims to leverage COVID-19 necessitated distancing to move the discussion online and stimulate ideas for students in creative fields.

As such, Colab is curating free weekly webinars for the UAE’s university students. The aim is to inspire them with new ideas, with a roster of inspiring topics curated by Colab in partnership with the UAE’s leading universities. The initiative aims to provide a platform for leaders from the creative industry to share their knowledge and real-world experience with students. Expert speakers are being drawn from the breadth of the creative community – including interior design, architecture, materials, fashion, film, digital, graphic design, and advertising. The American University in Dubai (AUD), American University of Sharjah (AUS), Zayed University, NYUAD, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Heriot Watt University Dubai, Canadian University Dubai, National Design Academy Dubai, and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus are some of the university partners who have expressed their desire to participate in the campaign.

Richard Wilson, creative director, Colab, said: “We conceived Colab as a creative space to innovate, contemplate and understand all aspects of material use and design. We’re now taking this mandate and expanding it into SHARE – a powerful ongoing schedule of knowledge sharing and powerful discussions. We are thrilled to see that our communities have responded so positively, with universities supporting the cause, and industry experts volunteering to share their experience and expertise – to give back to the community.”