In brief
Meraas unveiled the Meraas Creative Living Space, a sensory installation that interprets the Dubai Design District’s five planned areas. The five‑day program runs from 4 to 8 November and features talks, workshops, music sessions and art that explore how design shapes public and residential life. Architectural partners SOM, Woods Bagot and U+A collaborate with Duette Studio on the project, which is part of Dubai Design Week’s broader international showcase.
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, presented the Meraas Creative Living Space at the 12th Dubai Design Week, opening on 4 November 2026. The installation, created in partnership with Duette Studio, offers a sensory interpretation of the Dubai Design District’s masterplan, translating its five areas – The Creekside, Design HQ, SOHO, The Sanctuary and The Mindspace – into an experiential showcase of how homes, public spaces and cultural activities can coexist.
The programme runs from 4th to 8th November, hosting a range of design culture and music events. In the evenings, the SOHO element of the space hosts daily listening sessions featuring Ben Palace, DJ Liutik and Karrouhat, inviting visitors to experience music as part of d3’s cultural life.
Architectural and creative partners including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Woods Bagot and U+A collaborate with Meraas on the installation. Sessions throughout the week will explore how design can connect people and places and support the communities that give a district its character.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, said “design plays a central role in shaping how people live and interact with their surroundings.”
Khadija Al Bastaki said “design plays a central role in shaping how people live and interact with their surroundings.”
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, added that design is a key contributor to Dubai’s creative economy by connecting creative ideas and skills with production capabilities and commercial opportunities.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi said design is a key contributor to Dubai’s creative economy by connecting creative ideas and skills with production capabilities and commercial opportunities.
Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week, highlighted that this year’s programme explores the relationship between design and human connection, alongside experimentation with materials, traditional crafts and emerging technologies.
Natasha Carella said this year’s programme explores the relationship between design and human connection, alongside experimentation with materials, traditional crafts and emerging technologies.
Through the Meraas Creative Living Space, visitors can engage with the masterplan beyond its architecture, exploring how culture, shared spaces and social experiences can shape everyday life within d3’s residential neighbourhoods. The installation reflects Meraas’ approach to creating distinctive destinations where design shapes the built environment and the way people live, meet and spend time.
