The Dubai Design District (also known as D3) is expanding at a faster rate than any other area in Dubai into a creative hub of dining, shopping and more.
Eat
Every time team a&e heads into D3, The Lighthouse is our first port of call. Founded by Hashem Montasser and Hany Bassiouny who partnered with Chef Izu Ani, it offers tasty and most importantly healthy Mediterranean dishes.
The Lighthouse
A morning wouldn’t be right without a cup of coffee and Coffeöl is where it’s at. A privately owned and operated coffee boutique celebrates the joy of a good cuppa and serves the finest single-origin, premium Arabica coffee grown on the mountains of Northern Thailand.
For something a little more quirky, head to Akiba Dori, a foodhall-style indoor alleyway inspired by Akihabara, Tokyo. If your taste buds fancy something a little more Mexican, then the newly opened taco bar El Noctámbulo will be right up your street.
Akiba Dori
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, then book at table at Chez Charles Restaurant that showcases Michelin-standard dishes that are rooted in French cuisine.
Shop
F7.
The urban style of D3 has allowed for numerous showrooms and emerging spaces to open up presenting regional and international brands. Head to Amato for couture-level gowns, F7 for new names in the industry and Montroi for functionable and stylish luggage. One of our top pick are Frame – Middle East’s first ever boutique dedicated to Japanese lifestyle and culture – and All Things Mochi who are always more than happy to invite you to their showroom in Building 9.
Do
Art and design are a big part of the D3 landscape. For example, Citizen E Art Gallery is dedicated to the exhibition and promotion of contemporary art in all its forms. Gallery Ward was founded in 2010 by Abdulaziz Al Abdulkader and Yaser Askar with creative direction by established Egyptian curator Ehab Ellaban. It offers a supportive environment and platform to promote Middle Eastern artists both regionally and internationally, with a focus on Egypt.
For inner creative in you, head to the Swarovski Creative Center. It is a bright, contemporary space to inspire creativity across fashion, jewellery, art and film. The center hosts creative workshops, talks, exhibitions and events to inspire innovation, inspiration and learning.
Unwind
For the girls there’s only one place to give yourself some much needed TLC and that’s JetSet. Bringing together a highly specialized team of globally trained hair stylists, expect a new bounce in your hair. In the same space, N.BAR team are on hand to offer ‘fast glamour for nails’.
Chaps & Co.
For the boys, the ultimate grooming experience can be found at Chaps & Co. Their team will take the utmost care to evolve your style, offering haircuts, straight razor shaves and waxing, as well as facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.
