The Dubai Design District (d3) masterplan development has been formally endorsed by Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

She has also formally endorsed plans to develop and curate a dedicated creative community at d3.

The d3 Creative Community, which will cover around one million sq ft within d3, will act as an incubator for emerging local designers and artists, as well as providing a natural home for art galleries and studios looking to engage directly with the region.

The d3 is the newest of Tecom Investments’ freezone business parks – with 11 buildings currently under construction.

Once complete, d3 will be a purpose built environment catering to the full value chain of the design, fashion and luxury industry – and all with the vision of creating a world class creative community that engages, nurtures and promotes local, regional and global design talent.

The d3’s facilities will include everything from cutting-edge design institutes to residential, hospitality, retail and office space.

In her role for Dubai Culture, Sheikha Latifa is dedicated to communicating the cultural narrative of Dubai and catalysing creative enterprises through landmark initiatives that reflect her father's vision of a 'happy, empowered, creative people,' which also forms a pillar of the UAE's Vision 2021.
 
Through her work, she has strategised a number of platforms that enable the Dubai’s creative community not only to excel in their domain but also gain international recognition.

The Creative Community is expected to evolve organically, with adaptability providing one of its key attributes, enabling year round use of the built environment to cater for regular changes in its occupancy.

This support presents an exciting opportunity for d3 to collaborate with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to position Dubai as global destination for culture whilst at the same time nurturing Emirati and Dubai-based talent to reach international recognition.

Sheikha Latifa's vision for Dubai's cultural sector makes her the ideal Ambassador for d3’s Creative Community.

"Dubai is defined by its positivity and multicultural outlook, and our awe-inspiring growth is underlined by an abounding respect for our heritage. Beyond our architectural marvels, our city derives its character from its rich cultural identity – and that is the heart and soul of Dubai," she had stated in her previous remarks.
 
"My goal is to elevate the cultural sphere of our city, which is home to over 200 nationalities. My role is to encourage Dubai's talents, inspire their creativity, and support them to work together in our vibrant and culturally rich society. And every day, I work to make this a reality," she stated.

Commenting on Sheikha Latifa’s endorsement of the Creative Community, Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of Tecom Investments, d3’s master developer, said the pioneering project will help to foster the growth of the UAE’s design industry by acting as a dedicated destination for all creative things related to design, fashion, art and luxury.

"The d3’s Creative Community aims to truly inspire creative flair amongst emerging designers and artists, and to encourage innovation within people more generally. But, we also want to establish an easily identifiable yet adaptable urban community that helps expose the region’s design industry and creative talent to the world, by enticing visitors and tourists to a thriving cultural location," she stated.

"Our goal is to whet the global appetite for regional design while also enhancing the commercial opportunities for local talent," she added.-TradeArabia News Service