Dubai Design District: Emirate’s Home for Fashion and Design

July 16, 2024

UAE is increasing its presence and role in the fashion market through the Dubai Design District (d3), a strategic location for local designers and creative talents to thrive and grow their business.

Envisioned by UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, in 2013, the d3, developed by Tecom Group free zone in Dubai,  is being built in three phases and will feature a mix of residential, hospitality, retail and office space. With d3 serving as a design hub for the wider middle east region, setting up a small business can enable you to promote your products, services and public image. As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC), you’ll have 100% Foreign Ownership; Full repatriation of profits and capital; as well as 50-year tax exemption. As a designated tax-free zone, the Dubai Design District Companies offers economic incentives for creative businesses to succeed.

Located on the Ras Al Khor Road, five minutes from Downtown Dubai, the d3 is an area that will grow and impact the community with creative developments, more art and entertainment shows, global product launches and marketing events, “from large-scale art and design festivals to street theater and creative showcases” mentions the official website

The d3 will give local talent the opportunity to present their work and, at the same time, it will be a hub for international luxury brands to come together in a design-centered area. Mohammad Al Shehhi, COO of d3 notes the creative hub is set to inspire “Dubai artists, fashion designers, architects and other creatives,” as well as emerging and established brands.

After the successful completion of the first phase of development and the growth to 220 business partners, phase two of the project is due for completion in mid-2018. This phase will include the construction of a “Creative Community” that will contain state-of-the-art infrastructure and contemporary facilities including industry workshops, studios and showrooms to accommodate designers, craftspeople and creative innovators who will live, work and show off their talent there.