1. What is the d3 Awards?

The d3 Awards is a newly launched regional design award championing emerging talent from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Founded by Dubai Design District (d3), a global creative hub under TECOM Group PJSC, the d3 Awards are part of the district’s Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations in 2025. The Awards honour excellence and innovation in design and celebrate the MENA region’s evolving, vibrant and diverse design landscape.

2. What is the theme for 2025?

For this edition, the d3 Awards will focus on Architecture. Architects and designers are called upon to explore community-driven spatial design, encompassing interiors, exteriors, and immersive built environments. Proposals should focus on community-centered design that responds to the environmental context - using sustainable materials, passive strategies, and adaptable solutions - while promoting inclusivity and accessibility.

3. Who can apply?

Applicants must either be graduating design or architecture students (in their final year) or designers/architects (within five years of practice) who are residents or citizens of the MENA region. Any individual, duo, or team of up to four members, where all members fall under the above criteria, is eligible to apply.

4. Does the proposal have to be a specific typology?

No, applicants are free to choose any typology for their submission. However, all submissions must adopt a community-driven design approach, focusing on creating spaces that cultivate engagement, inclusivity, and a sense of connection within the community.

5. Does the proposal have to be based on a site in the UAE?

No, the site does not have to be located in the UAE. Applicants are free to select a site of their choice for the design, as long as the proposal thoughtfully considers the environmental context of the selected location.

6. When is the deadline?

Applications are open until 17 October 2025.

7. How do I apply? Is there a specific format for my submission?

Submissions can be made through the online form, which requires information on:

• Proposal concept statement

• Proposal image references and renders

• Portfolio of previous works and CV

Applicants are welcome to choose their own format that best explains their design proposal.

8. Is there a participation fee?

There is no participation fee for the d3 Awards.

9. What do winners get?

The winning designer will receive:

• Financial prize of AED 100,000.

• Media exposure and features on social media channels, collateral and website.

• Online mentorship session with a jury member or industry expert aligned with the winner’s design field.

• Custom-designed award by a regional design studio.

10. Do I retain ownership of my submission?

Yes, participants retain all intellectual property and proprietary rights to their work submissions. However, they agree to grant d3 a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the submissions for promotional, educational, or archival purposes (with appropriate credit), both during and after the event.

September 2025