Emirati creativity to be featured at London Design Biennale

This year’s London Design Biennale, running from 1 - 25 June at Somerset House, will feature Dubai representation in the form of the ‘And Beyond’ design installation, created by Emirati architect and designer Abdalla Almulla, commissioned by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

‘And Beyond’ celebrates Dubai’s history, in which Abdalla Almulla blends Dubai’s historical camel caravans that crossed the deserts and contributed to activating cultural exchanges between societies at that time, and the launch of the Emirates Mars mission, the Hope Probe, a major achievement for the UAE. Visitors to the London Design Biennale can experience the power of human connection and the evolution of collaboration through immersive design and story-telling. Drawing inspiration from global collaborations, Almulla’s design juxtaposes two seemingly disparate moments in history, united by the ingenuity of human collaboration.

Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects & Events Department at Dubai Culture, affirmed the importance of the Authority’s inaugural participation in the event, saying: “London Design Biennale provides a space for constructive dialogue, anticipating the future of design and encouraging the exchange of experiences. Design is an essential element in creative expression, consolidating creativity, innovation, and sustainability. At Dubai Culture, we seek to highlight the emirate’s cultural identity on the global map through our participation in the exhibition.”

Abdalla Almulla, Founder of ‘MULA’ design studio, said: “This desert environment I rediscovered prompted me to think about the nature of the challenges of our ancestors and their ability to face harsh conditions and adapt to them. I juxtaposed the journey of camel caravans with the remarkable success achieved by the Hope Probe, which is an example of human ambition and our infinite capabilities via scenes inspired by my observations and experiences in Dubai.”

The exhibition is a platform to introduce world-leading contemporary design and design-led innovation. Dubai Culture’s participation comes as part of its responsibility towards Dubai’s cultural and creative industries, strengthening its presence on the global cultural map and cementing its position as a global hub for design, creativity, and art.

Under the theme 'The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations,' this fourth edition features over 40 exhibitors worldwide to showcase world-leading design, confront global challenges and inspire audiences with thought-provoking installations. This year's Artistic Director is the Nieuwe Instituut, the Dutch national museum and institute for architecture, design, and digital culture, led by General Director Aric Chen. The theme aims to go beyond borders and territories to enact new forms of international cooperation and participation through design.

The London Design Biennale continues its mission to demonstrate how design can better the world we inhabit. Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, it promotes international collaboration and the global role of design. Since its inception the Biennale has welcomed the world’s most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators and cultural bodies to the capital.