Fashion

On Emirati Women’s Day, it feels only fitting to spotlight a figure whose work is shaping the region’s design and creative narrative.

From championing Emirati and regional talents to creating space for ideas to flourish, and setting a path for the new generation of Emirati creatives to dream bigger, Khadija Al Bastaki has become one of UAE’s most influential figures in design leadership.

As Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), Khadija Al Bastaki has overseen d3’s evolution into one of the region’s most dynamic creative hubs. Now home to regional startup brands, businesses, and professionals across design, fashion, and art, its growth has been nothing short of transformative. Under her stewardship, seasonal events like Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week have elevated the city’s global standing while at the same time providing essential platforms for nurturing Emirati and regional talent.

Her vision, marrying global ambition with Dubai’s spirit, along with her commitment to shaping the creative economy, and leadership principles of collaboration, innovation, and authenticity feels particularly resonant this Emirati Women’s Day.

Here, Khadija Al Bastaki reflects on her journey and shares the creative future of culture and community she’s helping to shape exclusively with Emirates Woman.

Under your leadership, how have you seen the d3 evolve from strength to strength?

Since I joined Dubai Design District, I’ve seen it grow into one of the most dynamic and influential creative hubs in the region. Today, d3 is home to more than 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals that range from multinationals to regional SMEs and start-ups. We are also home to world-renowned flagship events such as Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week. It is this vibrant mix, all in one location, that fuels our continued success. The diversity of talent and disciplines creates endless opportunities to collaborate, inspire, and shape the future of the regional and global creative economy.

How do you aim to steer and shape d3’s future direction? What are some key principles that lead you?

My vision is to continue positioning d3 as a global capital for creativity, where the best minds in design, fashion, architecture, and art unite to shape the future. What steers us ahead is the expansion of our network beyond Dubai through strategic partnerships, fostering platforms that address global challenges, all the while ensuring our community has the infrastructure and opportunities needed to thrive. Some of the principles that guide my work are a spirit of collaboration, a commitment to innovation, and staying rooted in authenticity. Collaboration ensures we are building meaningful connections within our community and beyond. Innovation keeps us ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving creative economy. And authenticity ensures that while we embrace global perspectives, we remain rooted in our cultural identity and values.

How do you balance the support for the local design landscape and creative talents to create a strong regional identity while inviting a global outlook?

This balance is at the heart of d3’s mission. We actively create opportunities for Emirati and regional designers to showcase their work alongside international names, ensuring they gain both exposure and inspiration. From Emirati product designer Aljoud Lootah to fashion talents like Mrs Keepa, Dima Ayad, and Faiza Bouguessa, our creatives are shaping a design language that is proudly local yet globally relevant. Our platforms – whether Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design Week, or Design Next – are designed to highlight the richness of our regional identity while fostering an open exchange of ideas with the global creative community.

What are the significant shifts you’ve observed in the way Middle Eastern creative industry is perceived globally?

The biggest and most noticeable change is that we are no longer seen solely as consumers of global trends, but as originators of ideas, aesthetics, and creations that resonate worldwide. International audiences now recognise the depth and diversity of Middle Eastern creative voices. This shift is the result of both the exceptional talent emerging from the region and platforms like d3 that support and amplify their work.

How do you hope to leave a lasting footprint on the design and creative scene?

I hope my legacy within this ecosystem will be one of empowerment and opportunity. I would like people who have worked with me to feel like we created an environment where creativity flourished. We also want d3 to be remembered as a place that nurtured talent, championed diverse minds, and inspired a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs to dream bigger.

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Image: Supplied and Instagram: @d3dubai