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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
Operational Partner
Gushcloud International is a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI. It connects audiences and brands to influencers and content creators through representation and management, brand strategy, marketing and activation services, media production, sales and distribution, licensing and co-creating significant IPs in the content, media and event spaces.
The company has three units: Talent & Brand Agency, IPs & Studios Unit, and Commerce Unit. With over 300 employees, Gushcloud International operates in 12 offices globally including Australia, Greater China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Developing a Design Ecosystem
We want to empower emerging designers and fostering innovation. The program seeks to:
Promote Design Culture
Foster a vibrant design culture in Abu Dhabi and the UAE by supporting fashion designers and creative industries.
Foster Innovation
Encourage innovative design practices that address local and global challenges.
Enable Collaboration
Facilitate partnerships between designers, institutions, businesses, and government bodies, fostering a conducive environment for creative exchange.
Support Emerging Designers
Provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work and gain global exposure.
Showcase Talent
Organize a final exhibit to highlight innovative projects and promote visibility for local designers.
Cultural Exchange
Facilitate international collaborations to share knowledge, practices, and trends, contributing to a global dialogue around design.
Promote Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Encourage designers to adopt eco-friendly and socially conscious design practices.
Impact on the Design Ecosystem
Education and Skill Development
Enhancing future designers' skills through strategic partnerships and mentorship programs.
Global Recognition
Establishing Abu Dhabi as a center for design excellence, attracting international designers and events.
Economic Development
By nurturing a vibrant design community, DCAD contributes to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, attracting investment and tourism related to the design sector.
Cultural Preservation and Innovation
Supporting contemporary designs that reflect cultural heritage while encouraging modern interpretations.
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.
Our Inaugural Residency Program see us partner with Oscar de la Renta and having the co-creative director, Laura Kim as a key mentor for the program.
Laura Kim, born in Seoul, Korea, began developing her sewing skills as a child under her grandmother's guidance. She later moved to New York to study fashion design at Pratt Institute, where she excelled and secured an internship at Oscar de la Renta. Kim’s impressive work and critical eye led to a permanent position upon graduation. As Design Director, she worked closely with Mr. de la Renta, overseeing collection development and managing the studio responsible for fabric design, ready-to-wear, knitwear, and accessories. In 2015, Laura and design partner Fernando Garcia left Oscar de la Renta to co-found Monse. They returned to the brand as Creative Directors, debuting their Fall 2017 collection in February 2017. Today, Laura Kim is widely recognized as a leading talent in the fashion industry, highly regarded for her design aesthetic and inimitable talent.
Photo By: Andres Linares
Our Year 1 Partnerships Include
Program Partners
Through exclusive masterclasses and activations, participants gain insights into luxury fashion, craftsmanship, and sustainability, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global design hub.
The residency’s first four weeks immerse participants in cultural heritage workshops at the House of Artisans, where they master traditional Emirati crafts such as Talli, Al-Sadu, and Khoos. Participants also engage in the Al Hosn Festival for an in-depth experience of UAE heritage and sustainability practices. Additional workshops at Al Khaznah Tannery introduce sustainable camel leather preservation techniques, while sessions with Browzwear provide training in digital patterning and innovative fashion technology, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design solutions.
Operational Partners
Gushcloud International is a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI. It connects audiences and brands to influencers and content creators through representation and management, brand strategy, marketing and activation services, media production, sales and distribution, licensing and co-creating significant IPs in the content, media and event spaces. The company has three units: Talent & Brand Agency, IPs & Studios Unit, and Commerce Unit. With over 300 employees, Gushcloud International operates in 12 offices globally including Australia, Greater China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Industrial & Retail Partners
Laura Kim, Co-Creative Director at Oscar de la Renta, played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural DCAD Residency Program, inspiring participants with her expertise in craftsmanship and design innovation. Through an exclusive masterclass and activations at Ataya 2025, she shared insights into luxury fashion, mentorship, and the evolving role of heritage in contemporary design, encouraging emerging talent to push creative boundaries. Oscar de la Renta’s involvement in the residency underscores the brand’s dedication to artistry and cultural exchange. The exclusive Pre-Spring 2025 collection, showcased as part of the program, highlighted the seamless fusion of haute couture and traditional craftsmanship, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for design excellence.
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
Operational Partner
Gushcloud International is a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI. It connects audiences and brands to influencers and content creators through representation and management, brand strategy, marketing and activation services, media production, sales and distribution, licensing and co-creating significant IPs in the content, media and event spaces.
The company has three units: Talent & Brand Agency, IPs & Studios Unit, and Commerce Unit. With over 300 employees, Gushcloud International operates in 12 offices globally including Australia, Greater China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Developing a Design Ecosystem
We want to empower emerging designers and fostering innovation. The program seeks to:
Promote Design Culture
Foster a vibrant design culture in Abu Dhabi and the UAE by supporting fashion designers and creative industries.
Foster Innovation
Encourage innovative design practices that address local and global challenges.
Enable Collaboration
Facilitate partnerships between designers, institutions, businesses, and government bodies, fostering a conducive environment for creative exchange.
Support Emerging Designers
Provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work and gain global exposure.
Showcase Talent
Organize a final exhibit to highlight innovative projects and promote visibility for local designers.
Cultural Exchange
Facilitate international collaborations to share knowledge, practices, and trends, contributing to a global dialogue around design.
Promote Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Encourage designers to adopt eco-friendly and socially conscious design practices.
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.
Our Inaugural Residency Program see us partner with Oscar de la Renta and having the co-creative director, Laura Kim as a key mentor for the program.
Laura Kim, born in Seoul, Korea, began developing her sewing skills as a child under her grandmother's guidance. She later moved to New York to study fashion design at Pratt Institute, where she excelled and secured an internship at Oscar de la Renta. Kim’s impressive work and critical eye led to a permanent position upon graduation. As Design Director, she worked closely with Mr. de la Renta, overseeing collection development and managing the studio responsible for fabric design, ready-to-wear, knitwear, and accessories. In 2015, Laura and design partner Fernando Garcia left Oscar de la Renta to co-found Monse. They returned to the brand as Creative Directors, debuting their Fall 2017 collection in February 2017. Today, Laura Kim is widely recognized as a leading talent in the fashion industry, highly regarded for her design aesthetic and inimitable talent.
Photo By: Andres Linares
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