Establishment of Abu Dhabi's Design Commission to Elevate Creative Sectors

Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has officially established the Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) — a vital platform aimed at driving forward its creative economy and innovation in design.

The initiation of DCAD signifies a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to integrate creativity, culture, and design into its economic diversification and cultural impact on a global scale. The Commission is positioned to foster innovation in a landscape increasingly shaped by AI and future technologies.

One of DCAD's principal goals is to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for design intellectual property (IP). The Commission will prioritize the development of UAE-sourced materials and textile innovations while nurturing creative talent through international residencies, advanced training schemes, and initiatives tailored to meet industry requirements.

DCAD will further enhance Abu Dhabi's creative footprint globally through impactful cultural exhibitions and collaborations, solidifying the emirate’s standing in the realms of sustainable luxury, cultural production, and forward-thinking design.

The Commission aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi’s overarching economic and cultural strategies, aiming to cultivate an inclusive design ecosystem that celebrates Emirati ingenuity, supports emerging sectors, and generates sustainable employment in design, craftsmanship, and material innovation.

Additionally, the formation of DCAD aligns with Abu Dhabi’s aspirations to embed design, emerging technologies, and innovation into the next 30 years of economic development by harmonizing creative industries with policy, education, and partnership initiatives.

Led by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the DCAD Board includes Nadine Maalouf as Executive Vice Chairwoman and Rana Kuzayli El Khoury as Undersecretary, supported by an Advisory Committee featuring Asma Al Fahim, Rym Al Falasy, Rima Al Mokarrab, and Meera Al Suwaidi.

Through its initiatives, DCAD is set to create new opportunities for emerging artists, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and weave sustainability, technology, and innovation throughout design practices, placing Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global creative excellence.