Dubai is a cultural powerhouse, filled with plenty of different experiences and adventures. Just as you walk out your door, you’ll immediately become immersed in the beauty of the city and the masterpiece of its design.
The city is home to several districts and communities. You have Dubai Marina, DAMAC Hills, and the beautiful Jumeirah. However, when it comes to art and creativity, none have quite come close to Dubai Design District.
What makes it so special is its balance. On one hand, it’s a global business district that gives designers, entrepreneurs, and artists the platform to thrive. On the other hand, it’s a lifestyle destination that brings out the best the city has to offer.
There’s so much to talk about here, and we’ll try to keep you reeled in as much as possible.
Overview and History of Dubai Design District
When people talk about Dubai Design District, or d3, they’re talking about the city’s world-class hub dedicated to creativity. It was officially launched in 2013, and the first signs of completion started to develop around 2015.
By 2016, the first phase was complete. It featured sleek office spaces, galleries, and studios that immediately attracted international names as well as homegrown talent.
Dubai Design District d3 immediately became known as a community with the potential to showcase a neighborhood so much more than mere buildings and towers. It brought in interior designers, architects, artists, and digital creatives who transformed this section of the city into an artistic powerhouse.
The district has even been a major part of Dubai’s UNESCO Creative City of Design. From here, its popularity and creativity only skyrocketed.
Location and Accessibility
Now that we’ve covered the introduction on what d3 is, let’s talk about how to get there. The good news is that it’s close to Downtown Dubai, just right behind the Burj Khalifa, Burj Park, and Dubai Mall.
Plus, the district is also connected by main roads like Ras Al Khor Road and Al Ain-Dubai Road, so there are plenty of options available. Here’s how you can get to d3 Dubai:
By Car
Driving is the most convenient and common option to get to the Dubai Design District. You can use the Ras Al Khor Road and the Al Ain-Dubai Road to get there.
Starting Point | Travel Time |
|---|---|
Downtown Dubai | 10 to 15 minutes |
Business Bay | 10 to 15 minutes |
Dubai International Airport | 15 to 20 minutes |
Dubai Marina | 25 to 30 minutes |
Palm Jumeirah | 25 to 30 minutes |
Dubai Creek Harbour | 10 to 15 minutes |
By Bus
To get to Dubai Design District by bus, you can take the RTA D03 bus route. This route travels between the Dubai Mall Landside Metro Bus Stop and d3.
By Metro
There isn’t a dedicated metro line going to D3, but you can take the Red Line and stop at key areas nearby. This includes Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa Metro Station, and Business Bay Metro Station. You can then take a taxi from these areas.
By Taxi / Ride-hailing
Taxis, Uber, and Careem are widely available across the city. Simply choose Dubai Design District as your destination, and you can easily travel to the area. The fares are usually affordable, especially if you’re just close by.
What’s It Like in Dubai Design District?
Walking into Dubai Design District feels very different than anywhere else in the city. While a big chunk of Dubai is filled with glistening skyscrapers that tower over the land, you’ll see low-rise buildings and green spaces.
The area boasts landscaped walkways, waterfront views, and open-air spaces. These places often serve as canvases to let visitors and residents focus on the art and design of the town.
Dubai Design District d3 has been designed to feature not just modern amenities, but also features that focus on creativity. Here, street art, sculptures, and galleries are prevalent. The atmosphere is a blend of urban cool and creative energy, a buzzing yet calming business district.
The design of all the cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers has also been fine-tuned to bring out masterpieces. Here, many fashion brands, design studios, and retail outlets have adjusted to the vibe of this artistic community.
But walking here is more than just the view and sights. The community also hosts several art events, exhibitions, fashion shows, and many more creative experiences.
Crowd-wise, d3 is a real mix. You’ll meet just about everyone from international designers and artists to freelancers and visitors. Because it’s home to global brands and local startups alike, the community feels dynamic and open.
The best part is that the district welcomes every single person, even if you’re not an artistic person.
What to Do in Dubai Design District
One of the best things about Dubai Design District is that it’s for everyone and not just designers and artistic minds. If you’re here, be sure to enjoy everything it has to offer, such as:
Gallery
Storm the Galleries and Showrooms
Since it’s an art district, you can expect a few galleries and showrooms that feature the creative minds of the area. Here, art is celebrated and spilt out in the open courtyards.
Walking through d3 Dubai, you’ll find yourself pausing to admire bold murals on building facades. There are also sleek sculptures on street corners, and curated exhibitions tucked into chic galleries.
What’s absolutely perfect about these galleries is that they don’t require tickets. This means you can just casually stroll through the district and visit most of these galleries. Here are a few prime favorites:
Art Hub. A lively platform that showcases contemporary, modern, and abstract works. It features solo and group exhibits, workshops, masterclasses, paintings, and art talks.
Sinyar Gallery. Sinyar Gallery is a place dedicated to Emirati talent, bringing in the best of the region. It also hosts exhibitions that showcase the local culture.
Sconci Gallery. The Sconci Gallery was founded in 1977 and had its first location in Dubai in 2014. It’s a gallery bringing fine European art to Dubai, with a blend of classic and contemporary pieces.
Swarovski Creative Center. A creative hub for design innovation, creativity, art education, and collaboration. Here, people can join workshops, talks, and art events.
Citizen E Gallery. This gallery in d3 brings contemporary fine art to the district. It also promotes national and international artists, helping promote the culture of many.
Double J Collective Gallery. Double J Collective is a vibrant gallery dedicated to showcasing fine craft and concept design. The exhibition space feels thoughtful and airy, perfect for viewing.
Sudheer Art Studio & Gallery. Sudheer Art Studio & Gallery specializes in hand-painted murals, canvas pieces, wall art, and graffiti art. Their pieces are very colorful and descriptive, with each detail being as important as the other.
Dine at Restaurants and Cafes
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the spectacles, it’s time to get a taste of the cuisine. Art comes in many shapes and sizes, and food is one of them. Food is a big part of what makes Dubai Design District such a vibrant and creative community.
Dining in d3 Dubai is another experience. Think of the most artistic spaces to dine in, paired well with food just as explosive. We know there are a lot of options, so we’ll narrow them down for your next visit.
The Lighthouse. A hybrid concept of a cafe, restaurant, and design boutique located within d3. Here, expect Mediterranean-inspired dishes and flavors.
Thea Restaurant and Café LLC. A center for French-Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a classy cafe set in a warmly styled place, perfect for breakfasts, brunches, and dinners.
SOYL Restaurant. SOYL offers a contemporary take on Middle Eastern cuisine, leaning heavily into Lebanese and Iranian flavors. Expect playful plating, crazy flavors, and a cozy, stylish decor.
Bistro Royal. Bistro Royal is a creative gathering spot set in a dimly lit area. It has stylish interiors, elegant dishes, and even art exhibitions that make it feel as much a gallery as a restaurant.
GOAT Burger. Casual, bright, and fun, this burger joint operates out of a white shipping container with a breezy outdoor seating area. Its burgers are known for being tasty and classy.
One Life Kitchen and Cafe. One Life Kitchen and Cafe is a staple place for some good food and sips. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, bright interior, and amazing food options.
The Espresso Lab. The Espresso Lab is one of the best coffee shops in Dubai. It’s a minimalist haven for specialty coffee lovers. They roast their own beans and compete in barista competitions.
Shop at the Boutiques
If you love discovering new brands and unique finds, shopping in d3 is for you. Unlike Dubai Mall and many large shopping centers, Dubai Design District doesn’t have endless rows of choices. It does make up for it by bringing out the best, and only the best.
Walking through the district, you’ll find concept stores and designer showrooms that don’t seem like mere shopping boutiques. There’s also no shortage of design, no standard to live upon. Some are minimal, while others are jaw-dropping and inspiring.
Pop‑up stores and rotating exhibits keep the experience fresh, shifting away from the usual high-end showrooms.
Aside from the fashion field, Dubai Design District is also home to several furniture and interior design shops. These feature showrooms help you imagine the feeling of having the furniture in your own house.
Some of the notable shops and boutiques in d3 include:
Lili Blanc. Lili Blanc offers ready-to-wear luxury garments and clothes for women.
Saiid Kobeisy Fashion House. Led by Saiid Kobeisy, Saiid Kobeisy Fashion House features Lebanese-inspired couture and collections that have been adored by many.
Walls Nation. Walls Nation is a renowned furniture store that offers stylish and durable furniture for homes and offices.
Marushika Showroom. A Dubai-based luxury women's fashion label. It features expertly handcrafted dresses, abayas, kaftans, and jumpsuit styles.
Mumzworld. Offers a store for mothers’ essentials and must-haves for children.
House of Adore. House of Adore is a concept store from Dola Saeed that brings fashion and lifestyle together in a beautifully curated space.
Explore the Events and Lifestyle Spaces
One of the most exciting parts of Dubai Design District is how it seamlessly blends lifestyle and creativity. The space is not just for work, galleries, or cafes, but also for some recreational activities and exploring.
Walking along the district feels like an adventure into a modern, cultural park where every corner is something unique.
The Block
The Block in d3 is perhaps the most iconic lifestyle feature in the district. It’s an outdoor space meant for recreational activities and hangouts. Fun fact: it was built from repurposed concrete blocks. It’s colorful, edgy, and feels like an urban playground.
For sports enthusiasts, the area has basketball and volleyball courts, perfect for some outdoor activity with friends. They also have a skate park that is often frequented by local skaters who know a few tricks.
Additionally, The Block Park features a few sets of climbing walls that feel like a mini labyrinth. It also has comfortable seating and entertainment areas for small events and meetups. Lastly, it has an urban beach that gives a cool, seaside experience.
Waterfront Promenades and Walkways
The district is designed to be walkable and inviting, allowing visitors and residents to walk past beautiful sculptures and artworks. Wide boulevards, shaded paths, and a waterfront boardwalk along the Dubai Creek make it perfect.
Plus, bike rides and jogs are also a dream here. The district is filled with tons of open-air spaces and views that make it a scenic place for some exercise. Many of the areas and cafes are also dog-friendly, meaning you can take your best friend along for a walk.
Events and Festivals
The district often hosts yoga sessions, fitness classes, and outdoor workouts in its open-air spaces. These simple events bring the community together, inviting more people to enjoy the artistic venues.
Dubai Design District also hosts world-class events throughout the year. It transforms the streets and plazas into buzzing creative arenas. Some of the best events include:
Dubai Design Week. The crown jewel of d3’s annual calendar. Dubai Design Week is the largest creative festival in the region. It usually takes place in November and showcases global design, art, and innovation.
Downtown Design. Alongside Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design also gathers the world’s leading architects, interior designers, and luxury design brands. It showcases new and unique designs, innovations in furniture, and beautiful design concepts.
Dubai Fashion Week. d3 is also home to Dubai Fashion Week, a platform that brings together international labels and emerging Middle Eastern designers. Its goal is to promote local talent and advance the city’s fashion industry.
Dubai Shopping Festival. DSF is a key event in the city, with events within the district. A popular event is e& MOTB, otherwise known as Market Outside The Box. It’s an outdoor festival that celebrates good food, unique fashion finds, and live entertainment.
Sole DXB. A street-culture festival celebrating sneakers, hip-hop, fashion, and urban art. It’s known for its electric energy and global headliners. Here, visitors can enjoy workshops, talks, and exclusive product drops.
Start Living at d3
While the district is not primarily a residential zone, it also offers a few options for visitors who have grown fond of this place. Because of the district’s growing popularity, the development of a dedicated residential area, Design Quarter, is in the works.
Design Quarter at d3 will consist of 3 towers, each with its own selection of 1 to 3-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Construction began in 2024, aiming for completion by 2027. Even so, listings have already started appearing for potential clients looking to live in d3.
Here’s a general overview:
Property Type | Size | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
3-Bedroom Unit | 750 - 1,000 sq. ft. | AED 1,750,000 - 2,856,000 |
4-Bedroom Unit | 1,000 - 1,800 sq. ft. | AED 2,950,000 - 5,046,000 |
5-Bedroom Unit | 1,500 - 3,500 sq. ft. | AED 4,000,000 - 9,625,000 |
Study Art
If you’re a passionate art enthusiast who wants to know more about the inner workings of it, then check out the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation. It’s a university that focuses on design, art, and innovation.
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation offers the first multidisciplinary bachelor's degree in design. It was established in collaboration with four major institutions. This included:
UAE Ministry of Education
TECOM Group
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Parsons School of Design
Since the institute offers a Bachelor of Design, it exposes students to product design, multimedia design, fashion design, and strategic design management. From here, students can learn all about visual and digital entrepreneurship skills, taking the concept of design to the next level.
Pros and Cons of the Dubai Design District
If you’re new to the area, Dubai Design District should be on your bucket list. The space showcases a lot of creative amenities and features that make it a great spot for visiting and exploring.
Pros
Creative Space
d3 is the heart and soul of Dubai’s design, art, and fashion scene. This is where creatives, entrepreneurs, trend-seekers, and art enthusiasts gather. The amenities and features of the space are well-designed to accommodate these passionate individuals.
World-Class Events
With events such as the Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design, and Dubai Fashion Week, the district is always buzzing with festive energy. It’s also a space where simple events such as yoga and art workshops come together.
Lifestyle Spaces
The Block, with its skate parks, basketball courts, and chill-out zones, makes it an awesome spot for some games with friends. Also, the paved walkways and promenade are the perfect space for cyclists and joggers. It’s also a friendly space for dogs.
Unique Shopping and Dining
From concept boutiques and local designers to chic cafes and international restaurants, d3 offers so much more than other locations around the city. Plus, the designs have adjusted well to the district, bringing out their most creative inspirations.
Networking Opportunities
With international brands, startups, and students, it’s a place filled with opportunities for collaboration and connection. The world-class events are hotspots for this kind of partnership.
Central Location
Dubai Design District is close to key areas around the city, including Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. It’s a prime location for people with many destinations and errands around the city.
Cons
Lack of Hotels and Residential Options
Visitors can’t stay directly in the district as there are currently no hotels within. Plus, the residential options are very limited, and future units are still under construction.
Public Transport Gaps
While well-connected by road, d3 doesn’t have its own metro station. Visitors will have to rely on getting there only by car, taxi, or bus.
Premium Costs
Dining, shopping, and office rentals here can lean toward the higher end. Because of the well-developed district, the creative luxury tends to increase the prices of the amenities.
Art Industry Focused
If you’re not interested in art, design, or fashion, some of the district’s charm may feel niche. The opportunities in this district will also not be applicable to you if you have no affiliation with the field.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Design District is an inspiring model of innovation, creativity, and development. It proves that design and growth should not be limited but should always be nurtured and improved. As it continues to develop, the district becomes a beacon of art, design, and fashion in the city.
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