Chalhoub Group, Marka And Jumeirah To Open In Dubai Design District

Major regional, retail and hospitality firms such as Chalhoub Group, Marka and Jumeriah Group have confirmed spaces at the upcoming Dubai Design District (D3), its developer Tecom Investments has said.

Global brands such as Moncler, La Perla, Hugo Boss and Sauce will also be moving their regional headquarters into the development, that is taking shape off Business Bay.

Apart from such brands, renowned couture designers including Rami Al Ali, Furne One Amato and Michael Cinco are also establishing their presence in D3.

Almost 220 local, regional and international designers signed up to be a part of the mega-district in 2014, the company said in a statement.

Regional designers setting up shop in D3 include Lebanese product designer Fadi Sarieddine, Emirati Artist Jalal Luqman, Object Design House Silsal Design from Jordan and Alif Design.

Local fashion designers such as Zareena Youssef, Ghizlan by Iman Al Midfaa, Queen of Spades, Zahra Kurmastagi, Slouchyz will also be setting up their D3 showrooms later this year.

The mega project will also house entrepreneurs in design, fashion and art.

Dubai-based Private Collection, a brand that offers exclusively designed leather products and signature fragrances from Milan and London, jewellery business Bil Arabi by designer Nadine Kanso, accessories designers such as Natalie Trad, Rula Ghalayini, FMM by Fatma Al Mulla and 55 Fifty 7 are also establishing their studios at the district.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that each and every brand that joins us – ranging from small design start-ups to iconic global brands – is part of a fully-fledged creative community that sits at the heart of Dubai’s design scene,” said Amina Al Rustamani, CEO of Tecom Investments.

“D3’s creative community will help to foster the growth of the UAE’s design industry by acting as a dedicated destination for all things design, fashion, art and luxury. Part of D3’s role will be to celebrate original and regional products, designs and creative talent, as well as our successes so that there is enhanced interest in what Dubai has to offer the world.”

The D3 development is a major part of Dubai Fashion 2020, a plan that aims to establish the emirate as a global fashion hub over the next five years.

The project, which will be built in phases, has received widespread support from the regional design community.

“D3 is a hugely ambitious project, but one that I believe is much needed in the region,” said fashion designer Rami Ali.

“The Middle East fashion industry has long needed a support system to nurture, encourage and showcase both up and coming talent, and established designers – locally and internationally. I’m looking forward to seeing how the industry evolves and watching Dubai become a more established force on the international fashion scene.”

The first phase of D3, worth Dhs4 billion, opens this year and will include art offices and workshop spaces while the second phase will focus on a waterfront area, which consists of F&B, retail and entertainment options.