Dubai, UAE – The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2024 with a grand graduation ceremony at the iconic Burj Al Arab. The event, graced by Malek Al Malek, Chairman of the Board of Directors, along with board members and industry partners, was a testament to the institute’s commitment to fostering the next wave of design talent.
Under the class slogan “Designers on another level,” the graduates showcased a stunning exhibition of prototypes, theses, and projects that spanned artificial intelligence, wearable technology, sustainability, and Emirati heritage. These works highlighted the graduates’ readiness to elevate their careers and the diverse applications of design education.
The Graduate Exhibition, a key event in DIDI’s annual calendar, allowed senior students to present the culmination of four years of rigorous design thinking and product development. Mohammad Abdullah, President of DIDI, emphasized the importance of practical application in cultivating innovative thinkers, praising the graduates for their empathy and dedication to improving the world through design.
In line with Dubai’s status as a dynamic and future-ready city, DIDI’s approach to design education aligns with the UAE’s focus on AI and technological innovation. The institute’s multidisciplinary Bachelor of Design degree nurtures designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the creative economy and supporting the National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries.
Dr. Amir Zeid, Dean of DIDI, reflected on the Capstone projects, noting their representation of the institute’s educational journey and the values of the younger generation. Projects ranged from sustainability and personalized healthcare to the preservation of Emirati heritage, mobility, and urban development.
Notable projects included an AI-powered tool for enhancing memory retention in individuals with memory loss and an AI assistant designed to aid adults with ADHD. Other students focused on healthcare design applications, such as technologies for vision impairment and wearables for epilepsy management.
Sustainability was a central theme, with projects proposing eco-friendly alternatives to fashion sequins and glitter and exploring the impact of urban development on local biodiversity, particularly the Arabian Gazelle.
DIDI’s Bachelor of Design course encompasses Product Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion Design, and Strategic Design Management, allowing students to blend traditional design fields and develop skills like empathy, problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
The 2024 Graduate Exhibition not only marked a milestone for the graduates but also reinforced DIDI’s role in advancing design education and shaping a future that is socially, digitally, and creatively robust.