DUBAI: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), honoured pioneering individuals and organisations in the design field whose dedication, innovation, and exceptional contributions have shaped Dubai’s thriving creative ecosystem. The recognition took place during a special ceremony where these pioneers were awarded the Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Pioneer Award.
According to Emirates News Agency, the award ceremony marked the conclusion of the 10th Dubai Design Week and brought together prominent members of the creative community. Attendees included influential figures such as Sheikha Fouz Al Subah, Founder of Crowd Creative House and Khaleejesque Media; Nora Aldabal, Executive Director at the Royal Commission for AlUla; and Fahad Al Obaidly from Qatar Museums Chairperson’s Office. The event celebrated a decade of creativity and innovation, welcoming over 1,000 designers, architects, and creators from
more than 50 countries to share ideas and the latest trends in design.
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted Dubai’s commitment to innovation and leadership within the creative economy, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She noted that the award is a tribute to the creative community, which plays a key role in Dubai’s cultural and economic landscape. Sheikha Latifa expressed that honouring creatives is a celebration of progress and motivates further efforts to build on the foundations that have established Dubai as the first UNESCO Creative City of Design in the Middle East.
The honourees included some of the most influential designers and organisations shaping Dubai’s design scene. Among them was Dr. Amina Al Rustamani of AW Rostamani Group, recognised for her strategic role in building a robust design ecosystem and supporting emerging talent. Sheikha Latifa bint Maktoum was honoured for fostering creative talent through Tashkeel’s program
mes. ARM Holding Group was also recognised for its contributions to the local design landscape and support for initiatives like Dubai Design Week.
TECOM Group received recognition for establishing the Dubai Design District, further strengthening the city’s role as a global cultural hub. Prominent designer Khalid Al Shafar was honoured for his blend of Emirati culture with contemporary design, while Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah was recognised for preserving Emirati heritage through innovative designs. Other honourees included Ahmed and Rashid Bin Shabib, Rami Farook, Cyril Zammit, and the Art Dubai Group, all of whom have significantly contributed to Dubai’s design landscape.
The ceremony featured an inspiring speech by Sheikha Latifa and engaging discussions with the honourees, who expressed optimism for the future of design in Dubai. They thanked the UAE’s leadership and Sheikha Latifa for their unwavering support in empowering creators and nurturing talent. The award trophy, crafted by Ajzel Studio, emb
odies UAE culture and creativity, featuring symbols like feathers, pearls, and amethyst, representing the essence of the UAE’s creative sector.
