Graphic textiles, inlaid marquetry, living green walls, glass chandeliers, jeweled consoles and a gentleman’s valet – all designed or made in the region.

Exposing the breadth and diversity of brands in the Middle East, Downtown Design recognizes the importance of locality in regional interior design. With the development of new hotels, commercial and public buildings, there comes a need for interior design to reflect the region’s graphic language, design narrative and love of colour. Our exhibitors present a truly broad range of unique solutions to creating a distinctly local, contemporary space.

Apical Reform (India)
Established in Ahmedabad, India in 2011, Apical Reform functions as a multi-disciplinary design studio that works in architectural design, interior design, products design, customizations and functional art, under the aegis of Amrish Patel and Architect Darshan Soni. At this year's Downtown Design, Apical Reform present their iconic Betula Chair (image below), a sinuous structure made entirely out of birch ply that is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic. 

Beba Creations (UAE)
Beba Creations is an organically homegrown design brand from Abu Dhabi, founded by American artist Tariq Riaz. The entire process from idea, design sketch to the final finish of a piece is completed in the design studio with almost all materials used in its collections sourced from within a 100 mile radius.  From the camel leather used for in its furniture to the beautiful red sand from Al Ain desert, metal from the local scrap yards to the recycled wood, Beba Creations utilizes locally available materials in a responsible and sustainable way.  At Downtown Design, the brand will exhibit a variety of unique hand-crafted light fixtures as well as new concrete and camel leather furniture pieces.

Cecilia Setterdahl (UAE)
Based in the Dubai Design District (d3), Canvas Carpets Cushions is a brand born from Cecilia Setterdahl’s passion for combinations of form and colour in art and design. As Cecilia produces only a limited edition of up to 10 carpets from each unique artwork, clients can be assured that they’re purchasing something truly special and unique.

Etqaan (Egypt)
Etqaan, which in Arabic means “perfection” or “mastering”, specializes in exquisite haute-interior projects using timeless Arabesque handcrafted pieces and rare craftsmanship inspired by the rich Arabian heritage of the Levant and North Africa

Green Road (UAE)
Green Road takes the living wall trend and brings it into home with a selection of hand-made installations.  These living collages of moss and fern reduce noise levels and require neither water nor light thanks to a natural preservation process. 

Hands (India)
Hands has woven carpets for some of the world’s most prestigious palaces, luxury hotels, institutions and residences for 135 years. A dedicated, in-house design team tracks global consumer trends in the ever-evolving world of interior design and introduces new collections every season that span Transitional, Contemporary, Art Deco, Floral, and Traditional styles. 

Klove (INDIA)
A decade ago, Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth launched Klove, with a collection of simple, beautifully hand-crafted lights. In ten years of travel, experimentation, training and adventure, they have built a progressive and sustainable design business with huge potential for growth that combines art and commerce. 

Muriel Kai (Lebanon)
Muriel Kai graduated in product design from the Académie Libanaise de Beaux Arts in Lebanon. For her, product design is about creating new experiences with known products and identifying new ways to improve lifestyles by reducing or completely eliminating negative environmental impact. She uses fruit leather, an innovative material made from a mix of fruit and vegetable waste applied to a variety of products, including tea lights and jewellery boxes. 

NM Collection (UAE)
NM Collection is designed and made in the UAE. Founded by Abu Dhabi-based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco, their contemporary furniture reshapes the past, integrating modern luxury with traditional Islamic motifs. Their mission is to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on the international stage. 

Pallavi Dean (UAE)
Pallavi Dean’s mantra is that interior design is not about fads, trends and fashions: every space should be built around the people who use it. At Downtown Design, Pallavi Dean debuts her first product collection, working with highly-regarded manufacturers Stellar Works and Preciosa Lighting.

Paola Sakr (Lebanon)
Paola Sakr is a Lebanese product designer and photographer. Morning Ritual is a series of biodegradable containers made of coffee grounds and newspaper waste inspired by the designer’s childhood memories watching her father sip Arabic coffee while reading the newspaper. 

Samovar Carpets (Kuwait)
Samovar Carpets provide their clients with exceptional handmade rugs from around the world, along with a service ethic that ensures customers are invested in the experience. Taking inspiration from the past, they present traditional, timeless and contemporary pieces perfect for the region.

Tamara Barrage (Lebanon)
Beirut-based product designer Tamara Barrage engages in exploring the tactile and sensorial characteristics of various materials. Using an array of experimental techniques, Tamara aspires to better articulate how forms and textures provoke our senses, emotions and memories.

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