Dubai
迪拜

The Emerging Power in Design
中东之星，全球设计新势力

Abstract

Dubai, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, has rapidly emerged as a global center for creative industries, leveraging its unique geographical advantages and open business environment. In recent years, its design sector has transformed from an emerging feld into a key driver of economic growth and cultural development.

The evolution of Dubai’s design industry began in the late 20th century, coinciding with the city’s broader economic diversification. To reduce reliance on oil, the Dubai government turned its focus toward creative industries, gradually building a supportive framework. A major milestone came in 2013 with the establishment of Dubai Design District (D3), the region’s first dedicated free zone for design, creativity, and the arts. D3 not only provided a platform for designers and creative enterprises but also accelerated the industry’s internationalization. Over the past decade, Dubai’s design sector has rapidly expanded, encompassing architecture, interior design, UI/UX design, fashion, and artistic production. By 2019, Dubai’s creative economy had generated over 37 billion dirhams, with design playing a signifcant role. Today, D3 stands as a global hub, attracting top international brands and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.

Dubai’s government has been instrumental in advancing the design sector. In 2021, it launched the Creative Economy Strategy, aiming to raise creative industries’ GDP contribution to 5% by 2025. This initiative has strengthened Dubai’s global presence while enhancing its economic impact. Through international events such as Dubai Design Week and the Dubai International Interior Design Competition, the city has reinforced its position as a 'City of Design' (UCCN), fostering collaboration between the Middle East and the global design community.

Dubai is also committed to talent development. In collaboration with MIT and Parsons School of Design, the city has introduced programs to cultivate top-tier design professionals. Additionally, Dubai hosts competitions and workshops, offering platforms for designers to showcase their work and refne their skills. The Global Grad Show, part of Dubai Design Week, brings together projects from over 100 universities worldwide, fostering dialogue among emerging talents.

Sustainability has become a priority for Dubai’s design industry, driving innovation in green architecture, eco-friendly materials, and circular design solutions. As the city embraces digital transformation, the integration of smart technologies and sustainable solutions is set to further position Dubai at the forefront of global design trends.

摘要

迪拜，这座位于亚、非、欧三大洲交界处的城市，凭借其得天独厚的地理位置和开放的商业环境，迅速崛起为全球创意产业的重要中心。近年来，迪拜的设计产业经历了从无到有、从萌芽到蓬勃发展的蜕变，成为推动城市经济增长和文化繁荣的关键力量。

迪拜的设计产业发展历程始于20世纪末，当时迪拜正处于经济多元化转型的关键时期。为了摆脱对石油的依赖，迪拜政府开始将目光投向创意产业，并逐步构建起一套支持性框架。2013年，迪拜设计区正式成立，成为中东地区首个专注于创意、设计和艺术产业的自由贸易区。该区的成立不仅为设计师和创意企业提供了广阔的发展空间，也为迪拜设计产业的国际化奠定了基础。在过去十几年间，迪拜的设计产业迅速崛起，涵盖了建筑设计、室内设计、UI设计、时尚设计和艺术创作等多个领域。2019年，迪拜的创意经济创造了超过370亿迪拉姆的收入，设计行业贡献显著。如今，迪拜设计区已成为全球设计领域的焦点，吸引了众多国际知名品牌和创意企业入驻。

迪拜政府对设计产业的支持力度不断加大。2021年，迪拜启动了创意经济战略，目标是到2025年将创意产业对GDP的贡献提升至5%。这一战略的实施，使得迪拜设计产业在城市经济中的地位不断提升。同时，迪拜通过举办一系列国际性活动，如迪拜设计周和迪拜国际室内设计大赛，进一步巩固了其作为UCCN“设计之都”的地位。这些活动不仅吸引了大量国际设计师参与，还促进了中东地区与全球设计界的交流与合作。

在人才培养方面，迪拜与麻省理工学院和帕森斯设计学院合作制定顶尖设计人才的培养课程。此外，迪拜还通过举办设计大赛和研讨会，为设计师提供了展示才华和提升技能的平台。迪拜设计周还会举办全球毕业生设计展，集合100多所高校作品以促进交流。

此外，迪拜在可持续设计方面积极探索，推动绿色建筑与环保材料的应用。未来，随着数字化转型，迪拜设计产业有望通过智能技术、创新材料与可持续解决方案，进一步引领全球设计潮流。