Dubai, UAE, March 23, 2017:  Canadian University Dubai (CUD) and Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC) have joined hands to boost engagement of youth talent in the development of Dubai’s growing design community, by extending DDFC’s activities into the student community and to cultivate wider networks that will help to build a global market for regional design. 

The collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DDFC Chairperson and Group CEO TECOM, Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, and CUD President Professor Karim Chelli, in the presence of  DDFC CEO, Jazia Al Dhanhani, and select academic and administration staff from CUD.   

The Dubai Design and Fashion Council was established by the Dubai Government to raise the profile of Dubai as a regional and global destination for design. Leading the development of a sustainable industry, DDFC provides in-depth market intelligence and helps elevate local and regional talent, enabling the contribution of the creative industries to the development of the Emirate. DDFC oversees, supports, promotes and drives initiatives related to 5 key design segments - Fashion Design, Product Design, Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design.  

As home to one of the leading art and design schools in the region, CUD is well placed to contribute to the DDFC agenda. Under the agreement, CUD students are set to benefit from workshops, talks, competitions and other special events that will open up opportunities for them in this burgeoning regional industry. 

Speaking on behalf of CUD, Professor Chelli said, “Dubai is renowned for its innovation and creativity in design. When we established the School, our aim was to contribute to this rising reputation and to provide opportunities for students to learn and work in this genuinely unique environment. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with DDFC to collaborate in the next stage of development, to put Dubai on the map at the centre of the design world.”

Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Chairperson, Dubai Design & Fashion Council added, “Supporting and incubating creative talent lies at the core of our mandate at DDFC. Working with leading educational institutions in the region such the Canadian University of Dubai is essential in creating new avenues for nurturing young designers, and bridging the gap between academia and the market to accelerate growth of the design industry in Dubai. This partnership is undoubtedly a great milestone in our journey and we look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration.”