Inside Downtown Dubai 2026 Installations and Exhibitions That Caught Known’s Eye
Dubai continues to shape global conversations around architecture, materials, and contemporary culture, and Dubai Design Week 2026 was a vivid reminder of why the city stands at the forefront of innovation. This year also saw a strong presence from regional studios—including Editions Editions Art & Design, whose experimental approach contributed to the city’s evolving creative landscape.
As a studio rooted in interior design in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Known visited the exhibitions to uncover emerging ideas, standout installations, and the materials shaping tomorrow’s residential and commercial spaces.
Here are the pieces that left the biggest impression on us.
1. Echo by Atelier Alain Ellouz — Light, Movement & Material in Harmony
Echo by Alain Ellouz, immediately stopped us in our tracks.
Atelier Alain Ellouz, celebrated globally for pioneering work in alabaster lighting, has long mastered the craft of sculpting illumination. Known for their signature ALABASTER™ fixtures, the French studio consistently redefines how natural minerals interact with light.
Echo is a luminous floor carpet crafted from sculpted alabaster “pebbles” rising from a custom-woven base. It blurs the boundaries between art, furniture, and architectural light—turning a rug into a living, glowing sculpture. The result is both tactile and ethereal, a piece that invites interaction while transforming the entire spatial atmosphere.
This installation captures a direction we’re excited about: functional art, where everyday objects become deeply expressive.
2. Waresh by Asateer — Heritage Interpreted Through Modern Craft
Next, we were drawn to Waresh by Asateer, a modular wall divider inspired by the historic home of the late Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in Al Ain—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Asateer, an emerging UAE-based design house, is known for merging traditional Emirati motifs with contemporary fabrication. With Waresh, they reinterpret iconic patterns through modern geometry and materiality, creating a divider that functions as both architecture and ornament.
The piece is a reminder of what defines interior design in the UAE today:
heritage, elevated with modern craftsmanship and sculptural expression.
3. Illuminated Washbasin by Norah Design — The Future of Luxury Bathrooms
One installation that truly stood out was the illuminated washbasin from Norah Design. Norah is known for blending contemporary forms with artisanal finesse, often using light as a defining material rather than an afterthought.
This washbasin functions as a sculptural centerpiece:
- effortlessly reflective
- delicately illuminated
- meticulously shaped to create movement across its surface
It transforms a bathroom from a functional zone into a space of pure sophistication, echoing the rising demand for luxury residential design in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
4. Chandelier by Preciosa — When Sculpture Meets Geometry
Preciosa never disappoints, and this year’s chandelier was a masterclass in balance and precision.
The Czech brand, renowned for its crystal lighting, presented a piece where sculptural form meets architectural clarity. Geometric arms and crystalline diffusion create a dance of shadows and highlights—an ideal focal point for luxury villas, boutique hotels, and statement commercial interiors.
This installation reaffirmed why Preciosa remains a go-to for designers seeking timeless yet innovative lighting solutions.
5. Fused Glass Wall Art by Artis Nimanis — Titanium, Glass & Alchemy
Finally, we encountered a breathtaking piece of decorative wall art by Artis Nimanis, a Latvian artist who has spent years experimenting with the intersection of glass, metal, and high-vacuum transformation.
His technique involves transforming metal into a fine vapor, allowing it to naturally settle on the glass surface before being fixed permanently using plasma rays. The final result is a fused-glass artwork finished with a delicate titanium sheen that shifts beautifully throughout the day.
It feels alive—subtle, reflective, and endlessly evolving.
This kind of material experimentation is exactly what inspires our work at Known as we continue to integrate innovative surface design into private and commercial interiors.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Design Week 2026 showcased exactly what makes the UAE a global hub for design: craftsmanship, innovation, and an unshakable respect for heritage. From radiant alabaster carpets to titanium-infused glass art, each installation expanded our understanding of what interior spaces can express.
Which installation was your favorite?
Let us know in the comments—we love hearing what inspires your design journey.
And as always, we can’t wait to see what next year brings.
