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), the global creative ecosystem that is part of TECOM Group PJSC, the d3 Awards was launched as part of the district’s Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations in 2025. They recognise excellence and innovation in design, highlighting the MENA region’s evolving, vibrant, and diverse design landscape.

2. What is the theme for 2025?

For the inaugural edition, the d3 Awards focuses on Architecture. Architects and designers are invited to submit proposals around community-driven spatial design, encompassing interiors, exteriors, and immersive built environments. Submissions should focus on community-centred 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 a graduating design or architecture student in their final year of study or designers/architects within five years of practice. All applicants must be citizens or residents of the MENA region. Individuals, duos, or collectives of up to four members are eligible to apply, provided all members meet the above criteria.

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

No. Applicants may 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 may select a site of their choice for the design, as long as the proposal thoughtfully considers the environmental context of the selected location.

6. What is the deadline?

Applications are open until 17 October 2025.

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

Submissions must be made through the online application form – which can be found, here.  This 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?

No. Participation in the d3 Awards is free of charge.

9. What do winners get?

The winning designer will be awarded:

• A financial prize of AED 100,000.

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

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

• A 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 submissions. However, they 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