Dubai Design District (d3) has announced the launch of the first-ever d3 Awards, an initiative created to spotlight and champion emerging talent across the Middle East.
The inaugural edition will focus on architecture, with a call for entries now open.
As part of d3’s Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations, the awards will recognise excellence in material innovation, human-centred design, and forward-thinking architectural solutions. Applicants are invited to submit proposals for projects spanning interiors, landscapes, and spatial design, with one winner set to receive a financial prize of Dhs100,000.
“The d3 Awards marks a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent and showcasing the industry’s brightest minds,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3. “Through platforms such as Dubai Design Week, our ecosystem is promoting talent from the region and encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through design expertise. The inaugural d3 Awards strengthens our contribution towards Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and Design Sector Strategy 2033, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for design excellence.”
The winner will be revealed during Dubai Design Week, the region’s leading design festival, held in partnership with d3 from November 4th to 9th, 2025. Now in its 11th edition.
Applications for the d3 Awards closed on the 17th of October, and shortlisted proposals will be displayed at the d3 Architecture Exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as part of the Dubai Design Week programme. Submissions will be judged on originality, practicality, accessibility, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Future editions of the d3 Awards will expand to spotlight disciplines including product design, fashion, digital innovation, and design for social impact, reflecting the diverse scope of the region’s growing creative economy.
