UAE design experts at Durar, Barcelona

DURAR, a regional research and training programme developed by Creative Dialogue, hosted ‘Dialogues between Barcelona- United Arab Emirates’ as part of Barcelona Design Week (2-12 June 2016). 

Designed to foster innovation and commercial exchange, the event gave those interested in the UAE market an opportunity to meet the country’s key players in the design sector (from individual designer to companies and event organisers) and opened up the debate about the possible opportunities between the Gulf and Southern European regions.

Taking a round table format with a panel of 9 design experts that included Downtown Design’s Fair Director, Rue Kothari, the discussions saw panelists share their unique experiences and involvement in the cultural, social and economic development of the United Arab Emirates and Barcelona. “I was delighted to be a part of the Barcelona Design Week talks, and present the opportunities for European design brands to connect with buyers in the Middle East. The reception and interest I received on the topic of Dubai and Downtown Design as a result was hugely encouraging. It’s an indicator of how valuable these platforms are at promoting cross cultural dialogue and helping the international design community understand the value of investing in the growing regional market.”

Alongside Rue were  Mouza Al Matrooshi (Coordinator, 1971- Design Space), Giuseppe Moscatello (Director, Maraya Art Centre), Juli Capella (Barcelona based architect and design curator), Daniel Venteo (CEO of Zebra Design, Barcelona), Isabel Roig (Director of Barcelona Design Center), Anabelle de Garsigny (Programming Manager, Tashkeel), Zuleika Penniman (Dubai-based Designer) and Jordi Arnau (General Manager of Barcelona Centre de Disseny).

‘Dialogues between Barcelona-United Arab Emirates’ is one of a number of  international programmes Creative Dialogue undertake to encourage economic development through design industries.

Click for more information about Durar.