Experts at the forefront of design, from global leaders to local influencers, came together for talks in knowledge-exchange programmes throughout Dubai Design Week.

Designers, creatives and thought-leaders took the Main Stage for panel discussions, keynotes and conferences that explored themes including how a designed world might look when natural resources become scarce, what it means to have Expo 2020 in Dubai and how design can bring the ancient and modern together. Attendees got to hear how architects, designers, 3D visualizers, leaders and experts think design will shape our future.

Hosted by Global Grad Show and curated by Community Jameel, the one-day conference titled ‘Innovating for Social Impact’ brought together professors, graduates and entrepreneurs for a series of talks about the future of technology and design for a better world. Talks ranged from sustainability and design to open-source social innovation and the role of universities in social innovation.

The Audi Innovation Talks brought international and regional design experts to the stage to discuss the future of technology and its role within global luxury brands. Speakers included the winner of the Audi Innovation Award and The Museum of the Future.

From finding your creative voice to responding to shifting trends in commerce and creativity, talks at The Forum at the Downtown Design fair guided professionals in the design industry through investing in themselves and their businesses. The founder of Dezeen talked about trends whilst Tomas Alonso and DesignWanted founder Patrick Abbattista offered digital marketing tips and Christian Louboutin described how he formed his brand.