The first edition of what will be a yearly design forum will take place in Dubai, 27-29 May. The International Design Forum will look into the world of design, with a special focus on the Arab region. The event is built around three main parts: Industrial Design, Urban Design and Design Connects. It’s an invitation only event and will have room for 500 senior decision-makers from all over the world. The aim is to get to understand tomorrow’s business opportunities and niches for growth through design. In other words: “to tackle the greatest design challenges of the future”.

In Milan, during the furniture fair, FutureDesignDays' representatives attended a brainstorming session aiming to develop some of the happenings at IDF. Among the very prominent names present, were some well known FutureDesignDays speakers: Karim Rashid (several times at FutureDesignDays), Marcel Wanders (2003) and Marcus Fairs (Expert Commentator in 2005). The outcome of the session can be read at the IDF blog. During the event IDF will present a series of exhibitions, speeches, special visits and installations. The event’s own Design Advisory Board includes, among other prestigious names, Zaha Hadid, Tyler Brülé (FutureDesignDays 2001 and 2006), Rem Koolhaas and Sheikh Majed J. Hamoud Al-Sabah, Read more about the event here.