A Design Lover’s Travel Guide to Dubai in a Day

This collective of warehouses in Al Quoz, a industrial area of Dubai, has emerged out of nowhere to change how Dubai sees design and art. Alserkal Avenue is composed of several art galleries, unique furniture shops and even has its own theater. This is the perfect place to start your morning, grabbing coffee at one of Alserkal’s many hipster cafe and looking at the galleries.

Ikonhouse combines the best materials and impeccable craftspersonship to create original pieces of furniture, lighting and flooring. This space is innovative and inspiring, and is an ideal destination for those who truly appreciate design. Ikonhouse doesn’t only showcase their items at the space, but also holds regular events and even educational Design Talks.
Ikonhouse, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, +971 4 388 1848
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This international firm is all about combining functionality and design, creating an environment that combines functionality and inspiration. Limah Design Consultants has its own space at Alserkal Avenue and is a go-to for all things urban and cool in the world of design and art.

Limah Design Consultants, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, +971 4 385 0090

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Dubai Design District, better known as d3, definitely honors its name. This is the most current and popular design and fashion hotspot in Dubai. One of the best features in d3 is that most art and design shops are pop-ups, meaning that the place has constant movement and innovation. It is the perfect place to stroll and build up an appetite before lunch.

Dubai Design District

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For those looking to grab a bite without stopping their tour of Dubai’s design masterpieces, The Lighthouse at d3 is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and feast the tummy and the eyes. This concept store offers a curated selection of food and design. It took over a year just to select the perfect pieces for the space, and this has paid off with the best aesthetics, quality and style. The Lighthouse prides itself on its delicious Mediterranean food and design choices. This is also the perfect place to buy trendy souvenirs to take back home.

The Lighthouse, Dubai Design District, +971 4 422 6024

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Although DIFC is known as Dubai’s financial hub, this neighborhood is home to some of the most high-end art and design galleries in town. Spend the afternoon strolling around some of the city’s most popular galleries, like The Opera Gallery, The Empty Quarter, Cuadro Gallery and seven others. The galleries offer everything from fine arts to photography.

Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 4 362 2222

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Design lovers could easily spend a whole day just shopping at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This space is inspired by the old traditional Arab markets, and is a great place to get traditional decorations from all over the world in one place. From bigger shops to stalls, shoppers can find fabulous Persian Carpets, African sculptures and Arab art, among other things. End the day shopping for some unique decor.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, +971 4 366 8888

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