Budding designers thrilled by prospect of university opening in Dubai

The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation is expected to open to its first students in autumn 2018. Pupils keen to study design say the institute is a great opportunity. Wam

DUBAI // The prospect of a new educational institution opening has got young people’s creative juices flowing.

The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, which was given the green light by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is expected to open to its first students in autumn 2018.

Pupils from The School of Research Science, in Al Warqa, Dubai said that the institute was a great opportunity.

Emirati Sara Reqaqi, 15, said she wanted to be a graphic designer and open her own workshop.

“I would have students come to the workshop, where there will be equipment available to express themselves artistically,” she said.

Sara found out about DIDI from Twitter and she said she loves its design.

“It wasn’t like other universities, which tend to be boring, old and traditional,” she said. “It was designed in a way that makes you want to go to school to learn.”

The institute — to be located in Dubai Design District — is being developed with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Parsons School of Design in New York, with a tailor-made curriculum to meet the region’s needs, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation’s board of trustees.

For Emirati Ghalya Al Zarooni, the school will be an opportunity for her give back to her country.

“I want to be an architect and build buildings that are different and innovative, with pretty structures,” said the 15-year-old.

“I would start my career here because, and especially with the upcoming Expo 2020, Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid] has always encouraged us to think outside the box.

“The design of the new school is really cool, and it would be great to be close to home instead of going abroad.”

Emirati Maha Al Zarouni, 14, said that going to DIDI can help her achieve her dreams. “It’s a great opportunity, not just for me but other students that have dreams to be creative and don’t know any schools dedicated to arts and design,” she said. “I would stay here in the UAE and work here, because I want to give something back to my country.”

Students enrolled in the four-year bachelor’s of design degree programme will be able to concentrate in product design, strategic design management, media, visual art and fashion design.

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, chairwoman of Dubai Design and Fashion Council and chief executive of Tecom Group, said that the Mena Design Education Outlook report from May showed that the region will need 30,000 designers by 2019.

“The launch of DIDI corresponds to the growing needs of the regional design market. Moreover, according to the report, the Mena region’s design industry has grown at twice the pace of the global industry since 2010, with a market value that surpassed $100 billion in 2014,” she said.

“These findings are a clear indication of the continued growth of the region’s design industry, and the wealth of career opportunities that will be available to design students in the future.

“DIDI is grounded in an ambition to develop the next generation of this region’s designers, and nurture the creative minds that will drive its innovation and growth from within.

“DIDI is looking for talented students who have a passion for innovation, are critical thinkers and are willing to challenge themselves.”