Dubai, UAE: During an official visit to view the Dubai Design District (d3) masterplan development, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, formally endorsed plans to develop and curate a dedicated Creative Community at d3.
In her role for Dubai Culture, Her Highness is dedicated to communicating the cultural narrative of Dubai and catalysing creative enterprises through landmark initiatives that reflect her father's vision of a 'happy, empowered, creative people,' which also forms a pillar of the UAE's Vision 2021.
Through her work, Sheikha Latifa has strategised a number of platforms that enable the Dubai's creative community not only to excel in their domain but also gain international recognition.
The d3 Creative Community, which will cover around one million square feet within d3, will act as an incubator for emerging local designers and artists, as well as providing a natural home for art galleries and studios looking to engage directly with the region. The Creative Community is expected to evolve organically, with adaptability providing one of its key attributes, enabling year round use of the built environment to cater for regular changes in its occupancy.
This support presents an exciting opportunity for d3 to collaborate with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to position Dubai as global destination for culture whilst at the same time nurturing Emirati and Dubai-based talent to reach international recognition.
HH Sheikha Latifa's vision for Dubai's cultural sector makes her the ideal Ambassador for d3's Creative Community. She has previously remarked:
"Dubai is defined by its positivity and multicultural outlook, and our awe-inspiring growth is underlined by an abounding respect for our heritage. Beyond our architectural marvels, our city derives its character from its rich cultural identity - and that is the heart and soul of Dubai. My goal is to elevate the cultural sphere of our city, which is home to over 200 nationalities. My role is to encourage Dubai's talents, inspire their creativity, and support them to work together in our vibrant and culturally rich society. And every day, I work to make this a reality."
Commenting on Sheikha Latifa's endorsement of the Creative Community, Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of TECOM Investments, d3's master developer, said:
"We are deeply honoured, and indeed very excited, that Her Highness has accepted a role as an ambassador of d3's Creative Community. This pioneering project will help to foster the growth of the UAE's design industry by acting as a dedicated destination for all creative things related to design, fashion, art and luxury. Her Highness' substantial experience encouraging creative talent and the promotion of Dubai's unique culture will make a huge contribution to the success of the Creative Community, which we want to be an inspiration for emerging talent, but also a destination to encourage further international appreciation of the talent and culture found here in the UAE.
"d3's Creative Community aims to truly inspire creative flair amongst emerging designers and artists, and to encourage innovation within people more generally. But, we also want to establish an easily identifiable yet adaptable urban community that helps expose the region's design industry and creative talent to the world, by enticing visitors and tourists to a thriving cultural location. Our goal is to whet the global appetite for regional design while also enhancing the commercial opportunities for local talent."
d3's Creative Community will be a unique, vibrant and charismatic destination, which will also enable a legacy that can propel d3's place amongst the world's leading creative centres.
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Nicola Hooper: +971 55 8862254 / nhooper@bellpottinger.com
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ABOUT DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai Design District, better known as d3, is dedicated to fostering the growth of the Emirate's design, fashion and luxury industry. It offers businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals a creative community that will be at the very heart of the region's design scene.
d3 is the newest of TECOM Investments' freezone business parks - with 11 buildings currently under construction. Once complete, d3 will be a purpose built environment catering to the full value chain of the design, fashion and luxury industry - and all with the vision of creating a world class creative community that engages, nurtures and promotes local, regional and global design talent.
d3's facilities will include everything from cutting-edge design institutes to residential, hospitality, retail and office space. The District will be characterised by distinct public areas, unique street furniture and shaded walkways. The development will include a Creek-side esplanade with international and boutique hotels, a pop-up shop area, amphitheatre and a convention centre.
Located close to Mohammed Bin Rashid City and adjacent to Dubai's Business Bay, d3 is a short distance from the city's arterial highways and two international airports. The District is in sight of the Creek, Dubai's historic and mercurial trading epicentre, Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping complex.
© Press Release 2015
