International Design Forum, in Dubai

Missed opportunity

The Event that has been advertised as the first 'International Design Conference in Dubai' seems to have inadvertently excluded graphic design, new media, design educators and visual communication practioners from the region from the discourse on design in the Arab World?! Actually in a culture where the Arabic script is central to the 'iconic identity of the Arab World' not mentioning Arabic typography in such a conference is quite a missed opportunity. That the only topics of discussion revolve around arachitecture and product design should' ve been clearly reflected in the title of this conference.
Maybe next time this conference takes place this overlooked issue should be addressed.

Below is an excerp from the IDF website

Vital Design

Design is an international language. A new pillar of social and economic growth and an unmistakable symbol of development, confidence and substance, design can define a product, place or experience and has become a marker of social and economic growth.
The enormous potential of design as a force to innovate, inspire and civilize is now acknowledged by businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. This is a discipline that will play a part in how the future looks and feels, and determine how environmental and social issues can be incorporated into policy, industrial manufacturing and urban planning. Created by Moutamarat, the International Design Initiative (IDI) is the first high-profile design and creativity platform to emerge from the Arab world.

Objectives

The IDI exists to generate dialogue between Arab and international designers on the potential of creativity and design as a discipline without borders. Taking the form of an annual event, publications and various special projects, the IDI provides a valuable new platform through which to evaluate the commercial and social impact of design in a rapidly changing global landscape.

This event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Moutamarat has launched the International Design Forum. www.moutamarat.com/idf/idi.aspx