The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
DUBAI / GULF TIME
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has wrapped up its participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) subnetwork meeting, a forum designed to deepen cooperation among cities that integrate creativity into urban development. The gathering provided an opportunity to share ideas and best practices that strengthen the cultural and creative industries. The engagement reflects Dubai Culture’s ongoing commitment to solidify Dubai’s leadership and position on the international map as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.
During the meeting in Saint-Étienne, France, Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, delivered a presentation on best practices on resource and material innovation that explored how Dubai is harnessing local biomass from palm trees to shape tomorrow’s materials. She outlined how the emirate is rethinking its natural resources, driving sustainable design innovation and advancing the principles of a circular economy, all in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Khulood highlighted the country’s progress in finding new uses for what might otherwise go to waste, transforming regional resources like palm trees and date seeds into bioplastics, plywood alternatives, and even eco-friendly veneers for interiors. By reimagining traditional elements, Dubai is shaping scalable, practical solutions that balance heritage with sustainability. Khulood also shared details about Dubai’s leading design event the Dubai Design Week, which celebrated its milestone 10th edition in 2024 and planned to take place from 4-9 November 2025, highlighting key features of the week as well as participation opportunities. On the sidelines of the UCCN Design subnetwork meeting, Dubai was expected to take part in the 13th edition of the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne under the theme ‘Ressource(s), présager demain’ (Resources, anticipating tomorrow). Among the showcased works is ‘Ramel’ by Emirati designer Kholoud Sharafi, a series composed of a blend of sand from the UAE and ceramic.
The pieces are inspired by the shifting dunes of the desert and explore the versatility of sand by using this abundant yet often overlooked element to forge a tangible link between the natural landscape and creativity. Another work on display is ‘Tibrah’ by Emirati product designer and architect Reema AlMheiri, which draws on the local community’s relationship with the sea and created a biodegradable material from fish scales as a viable alternative to synthetics. The term ‘Tibrah’ refers to oyster bed sites, an integral aspect of the UAE’s maritime heritage.
Additionally, Dubai is participating in the first Covilhã International Design Triennial, organised by the Municipality of Covilhã in Portugal as a flagship initiative within the UNESCO Creative Cities of Design Action Plan and in partnership with Ideias Emergentes. The event spotlights bioregional design, local culture, sustainability, and innovation. The exhibition includes ‘Palm Repose’, a bench by Emirati architectural photographer Majid Al Bastaki, inspired by scenes of Emirati farmers resting among palm groves.
Reflecting on the events, Khulood noted that these platforms amplify the city’s voice on the world stage and create new opportunities for both rising and established talent. She said: “Taking part in these international forums provides us with the platform to share Dubai’s experience and learn from other leading cities.
It reinforces our dedication to advancing the field of design in ways that align with the United Nations’ SDGs. These interactions foster collaboration and help shape the conversations that move our sector forward, ensuring creativity continues to inspire growth and positive change worldwide.” Dubai was designated as the first Creative City of Design in the Middle East by UNESCO in 2017. Since then, the emirate has implemented policies to cement its position as a global design hub, contribute to the SDGs, and attract innovators from around the world.