top of page
DCAD is dedicated to advancing Abu Dhabi’s creative economy by fostering a thriving design ecosystem that not only showcases the city’s design talent but also drives economic development, cultural preservation, and social impact.
Through close collaboration with institutions, businesses, and government entities, the Commission nurtures a creative community, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront.
Our Brand Promise & Mission
We are committed to cultivating a world-class design and creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi — one that brings together creators, founders, designers, and engineers to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and consumers. By championing creativity, we aim to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for design, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Members of the Board
H.H. Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan
Chairwoman of the Board
Nadine Maalouf
Vice Chairwoman of the Board
Rana Kuzayli El Khoury
Undersecretary of the Board
Asma Al Fahim
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Rym Al Falasy
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Rima Al Mokarrab
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Meera Al Suwaidi
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Developing a Design Ecosystem
We are committed to cultivating a dynamic platform that empowers emerging designers, advances innovation, and strengthens the foundations of a thriving creative economy in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Promote Design Culture
We nurture a vibrant and inclusive design culture by supporting practitioners across diverse creative industries and accelerating the sustainable growth of the wider creative economy.
Foster Innovation
We place innovation at the heart of our mission, encouraging bold and forward-thinking design practices that address both local priorities and global challenges.
Enable Collaboration
We connect designers with institutions, businesses, and government entities to build meaningful partnerships, fostering an environment where creativity and knowledge can be shared and expanded.
Support Emerging Designers
Through dedicated initiatives, we provide emerging talents with resources, mentorship, and international platforms to showcase their work, expand their visibility, and amplify their contribution to the creative economy.
Showcase Talent
We curate a series of exhibitions that highlight groundbreaking projects, celebrate local creativity, and elevate Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for design excellence.
Cultural Exchange
Our programs encourage international collaborations, enabling the exchange of knowledge, practices, and trends while positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for cross-cultural dialogue in design.
Promote Sustainability and Social Responsibility
We champion eco-conscious and socially responsible design approaches, inspiring practitioners to create with purpose and to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Product Creation with Abu Dhabi IP
We support the development of distinctive products conceived in Abu Dhabi, rooted in unique intellectual property (IP) that reflects the emirate’s cultural identity and creative vision. These products strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global presence and establish the city as a source of original, authentic design innovation.
Create Social Impact
By fostering opportunities for youth and enabling job creation, we empower the next generation of creative professionals. In doing so, we affirm design as not only a driver of economic growth but also a transformative force that enriches communities and leaves a lasting societal impact.
Impact on the Design Ecosystem
Economic Development
Through strategic partnerships, mentorship programs, and capacity-building initiatives, DCAD enhances the skills of emerging designers, preparing the next generation of creative leaders.
Cultural Preservation and Innovation
By promoting Abu Dhabi as a center of design excellence, DCAD attracts international designers, creative talent, and global events, positioning the emirate as a hub for innovation and cultural exchange.
Education and Skill Development
By nurturing a vibrant design community, DCAD contributes to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, attracting investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing the city’s creative and cultural sectors.
Global Recognition
DCAD supports contemporary design that honors cultural heritage while encouraging innovative interpretations, bridging tradition and modernity.
Background of DCAD
Established in 2024 under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) was created to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s design ecosystem through education, innovation, and creative initiatives. The Council fosters cross-cultural dialogue, global collaborations, and a thriving environment for design, ensuring that creativity continues to drive economic growth, cultural preservation, and social impact.
DCAD is dedicated to contributing to Abu Dhabi’s creative economy and aims to create a thriving design ecosystem in the UAE that not only highlights the city’s design talent but also contributes to economic development and cultural preservation. The Council collaborates with institutions, businesses, and government entities to nurture a creative community where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront.
Our Brand Promise & Mission
We endeavour to develop the design and creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi by building a community of creators, founders, designers, and engineers that will inspire a new generation of enterprise owners and consumers.
Advisory Committee Board
H.H. Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan
Chairwoman of the Board
Nadine Maalouf
Vice Chairwoman of the Board
Rana Kuzayli El Khoury
Undersecretary of the Board
Asma Al Fahim
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Rym Al Falasy
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Rima Al Mokarrab
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Meera Al Suwaidi
Advisory Committee Member of the Board
Developing a Design Ecosystem
We are committed to cultivating a dynamic platform that empowers emerging designers, advances innovation, and strengthens the foundations of a thriving creative economy in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Promote Design Culture
We nurture a vibrant and inclusive design culture by supporting practitioners across diverse creative industries and accelerating the sustainable growth of the wider creative economy.
Foster Innovation
We place innovation at the heart of our mission, encouraging bold and forward-thinking design practices that address both local priorities and global challenges.
Enable Collaboration
We connect designers with institutions, businesses, and government entities to build meaningful partnerships, fostering an environment where creativity and knowledge can be shared and expanded.
Support Emerging Designers
Through dedicated initiatives, we provide emerging talents with resources, mentorship, and international platforms to showcase their work, expand their visibility, and amplify their contribution to the creative economy.
Showcase Talent
We curate a series of exhibitions that highlight groundbreaking projects, celebrate local creativity, and elevate Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for design excellence.
Cultural Exchange
Our programs encourage international collaborations, enabling the exchange of knowledge, practices, and trends while positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for cross-cultural dialogue in design.
Promote Sustainability and Social Responsibility
We champion eco-conscious and socially responsible design approaches, inspiring practitioners to create with purpose and to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Product Creation with Abu Dhabi IP
We support the development of distinctive products conceived in Abu Dhabi, rooted in unique intellectual property (IP) that reflects the emirate’s cultural identity and creative vision. These products strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global presence and establish the city as a source of original, authentic design innovation.
Create Social Impact
By fostering opportunities for youth and enabling job creation, we empower the next generation of creative professionals. In doing so, we affirm design as not only a driver of economic growth but also a transformative force that enriches communities and leaves a lasting societal impact.
Background of DCAD
Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) was developed in 2024 with the mission of strengthening Abu Dhabi’s design ecosystem through education and creative initiatives. DCAD fosters cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration across diverse design disciplines.
bottom of page