Dubai Design Week is nearly here and whilst this might sound like one just for the design industry, there are more than 200 events in and around Dubai during this event that will keep families entertained and inspired. Here’s our round up of some of the best family focused Dubai Design Week events between the 13th and 18th of November that the children will love!

Making Space

Located in a pop-up space at d3, Making Space is a new initiative for Dubai Design Week which brings you the opportunity to get your hands truly dirty! This studio-style venue will host a range of creative activities that bring the design process to life with drop-in demonstrations and workshops organised by a group of designers and makers, including the super informative Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children – who will be running workshops on printing, paper-making and pottery among other things.

MASKA will also be bringing to life the art of wrapping with fabric, kiddies favourite the jamjar is running a session on contemporary weaving, Urban Sketchers will lead workshops on making and capturing architectural features and Tashkeel is running a two day course teaching the basics of typography and lettering.

Also keep your eyes peeled for Klug Toys who, along with their local design partners, will be giving insight into making educational games. Be it modelling, folding, sculpting, weaving or sketching the Making space will be a fun, interactive part of the Dubai Design Week experience.

A Doll Making Workshop With Dumyè

Children age 6 – 16 years old will LOVE this workshop but they do need an adult to accompany them where they will be asked to draw their hero – whoever that is to them. Dumyé, who make amazing dolls here in Dubai then teaches them creative thinking and basic sewing skills, showing them the process of bringing their drawings them to life as a doll.

Each child will leave with their very own completed bespoke doll and the knowledge that their participation enables a less fortunate child to create a meaningful doll of their own.

When: 13th to 18th November from 10am until 8pm

Where: Urban Studio, Office 107B, Building 7, Dubai Design District (d3)

IKEA | let’s play for change & Make room for imagination

Swedish furniture giant IKEA are hosting an exhibition as part of their new launch campaign ‘Make Room for Play & Celebration’ which emphasises the value of play within a child’s learning and development. Featuring mystical illusions that have been captivatingly designed elements to mesmerise all children big and small to engage in good old fashioned play.

A special emphasis on sustainable living can be found throughout the eccentric exhibition. The outdoors have been taken indoors to bring back nature and show creative ways of living sustainably and this year, IKEA intends to make room for big kids imagination by highlighting their new products and limited collections in never-before-seen arrangements.

Mirzam Chocolate Makers Tours

If the children are keen to see how chocolates are maid then this one’s for you!

When: Daily tours for children are at 10.30 and 12.30pm – and for adults, 3pm and 5pm

Ripe Market

Bringing together some of the region’s finest local design start-ups and small businesses comprising of designers, trend-setters, taste-makers and culinary artisans, Ripe Design Market will surely not disappoint! There will be foodie treats and entertainment from local artists, pop-up shops and workshops for children, presented by the makers and designers themselves.

For more info and for a full list of everything on at Dubai Design Week see http://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/

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