Celebrating Design Innovation: The Inaugural d3 Awards in Dubai

A New Era for Emerging Talent in the MENA Region

On September 24, 2025, Dubai Design District (d3) announced an exciting opportunity for emerging designers and architects in the MENA region. As part of its Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations, d3 has launched the inaugural d3 Awards, aimed at recognizing and championing new talent within the vibrant and diverse design landscape of the Middle East. This initiative not only highlights the importance of innovation but also encourages fresh perspectives that can reshape our built environment. 

The d3 Awards will celebrate excellence in several aspects of design, including material exploration, human-centred approaches, and forward-thinking solutions. Entrants are invited to submit proposals focused on architecture, covering both interior and exterior spaces as well as immersive environments. The stakes are high, as the winner will receive a financial prize of AED 100,000, marking a significant milestone in their design career. 

Joining the Global Design Dialogue

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in fostering a creative ecosystem. “The d3 Awards mark a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent,” she stated. This award serves as a platform to elevate the region's brightest minds and aligns with Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and Design Sector Strategy 2033. By encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through their design expertise, d3 reinforces its position as a global hub for design excellence.

Participants in the d3 Awards must be either graduating design students in their final year or designers with up to five years of professional experience. Applicants should be residents or citizens of the MENA region, and submissions are welcome from individuals, duos, or collectives of up to four members. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of voices and ideas will be represented, enriching the creative dialogue within the region. The deadline for conceptual entries is set for October 17, 2025, making it essential for aspiring designers to prepare their submissions thoughtfully.

As part of Dubai Design Week, which takes place from November 4-9, 2025, shortlisted candidates will showcase their proposals at the d3 Architecture Exhibition. This event promises to attract architects, designers, and creative practitioners from around the globe, fostering an environment of collaboration and inspiration. Thus, the d3 Awards not only provide a platform for emerging talent but also contribute to a larger narrative of innovation and excellence in the design industry. For more information and to apply, interested individuals can visit [www.d3awards.com](http://www.d3awards.com). 

The d3 Awards represent a pivotal moment for the design community in the MENA region. By celebrating originality and practical design solutions, this initiative opens doors for future innovators and reinforces Dubai's status as a beacon of design creativity.

Pioneering Water Infrastructure: The Riyadh–Qassim IWTP Project

A Strategic Initiative for Sustainable Water Supply

The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has made a significant stride towards enhancing the nation’s water infrastructure with the announcement of three bids submitted by private sector consortia for the Riyadh–Qassim Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) Project. This initiative not only reflects a commitment to sustainable resource management but also indicates a proactive approach to meet the ever-growing drinking water needs of the Riyadh and Al-Qassim regions. Notably, the bidding consortia include reputable entities such as Al Jomaih Energy and Water Co. Ltd, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, and Vision International Investment Company, among others.

This ambitious project, characterized by a transmission capacity of 685,000 cubic meters per day and an impressive pipeline length of 859 kilometers, stands as a testament to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s vision to interconnect various regions across the Kingdom. Furthermore, the inclusion of bi-directional flow capabilities ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply, thereby bolstering the overall water security in Saudi Arabia. 

Transforming Water Management through Innovative Solutions

The Riyadh–Qassim IWTP Project will not only feature extensive infrastructure but also innovative solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact. The project encompasses six strategic storage tanks in Riyadh, boasting a total capacity of 1,020,000 cubic meters, alongside 32 operational tanks along the pipeline route with a cumulative capacity of 571,000 cubic meters. Additionally, the integration of solar power solutions into the project design signifies a forward-thinking approach to carbon emission reduction while maintaining dependence on the national grid.

Tendered under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, this project has attracted significant interest, with 31 companies participating, including 19 Saudi firms. This heightened engagement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing infrastructure projects. As commercial operations are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2030, this initiative promises to not only enhance water supply but also contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and sustainability goals.

Elevating Global Connectivity: The Sister Airport Agreement Between Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport

In a significant milestone for international aviation, **Hamad International Airport (DOH)** in Doha, Qatar, has formalized a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with **Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)** in China. This partnership, signed by **Hamad Al Khater**, COO of Hamad International Airport, and **Zhang Lin**, CEO of Beijing Daxing, stands as a testament to the growing cooperation between Qatar and China. Moreover, it promises to augment global air connectivity through Doha, positioning the city as a pivotal hub for travelers from both regions.

This agreement, inked at Beijing Daxing's state-of-the-art terminal, complements existing collaborations such as Qatar Airways' partnership with **China Southern Airlines** and the MoU between the **Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA)** and the **Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)**. Collectively, these initiatives highlight the integral role of aviation in fostering economic growth, enhancing cultural exchanges, and responding to the increasing demand for travel. The synergy between these two airports not only enhances passenger experiences but also reinforces cargo flow, thereby contributing to the broader economic landscape of both nations.

A Vision for Future Collaboration

Under the framework of the MoU, **MATAR**, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, alongside **Beijing Capital International Airport Group Co., Ltd.**, will embark on various joint projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing service quality. This collaboration will prioritize advancements in technology, service design, and innovative practices, ultimately positioning both airports as leaders in hub excellence. The vision articulated by both parties aims to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers while promoting Doha as a reliable gateway for Chinese tourists and businesses venturing into the Middle East.

Hamad Al Khater emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport's key role in driving aviation diplomacy and advancing Qatar's partnership with China." The commitment to building a strong aviation network, as articulated by Zhang Lin, further reinforces the shared aspiration to create a "golden channel" for airline networks and a "green corridor" for freight logistics. Such initiatives are pivotal in enhancing the global competitiveness of both airports and fostering deeper cultural ties between Qatar and China.

The Sister Airport agreement between Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport marks a progressive step towards reinforcing international air travel and cooperation. As both entities work together to navigate the evolving landscape of global connectivity, travelers can anticipate a wealth of opportunities that will emerge from this strategic partnership. The future of aviation looks promising, with Doha poised to become an even more significant hub for connecting Asia and the Middle East.