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Queen Rania Opens Amman Design Week

Jordan’s creative community has propelled a new design platform onto the cultural calendar. Supported by Her Majesty Queen Rania, the first edition of Amman Design Week (ADW) starts today (September 1st) and will run until September 9th. Earlier this week (and in a chiffon Valentino dress), Her Highness inaugurated the design showcase surrounded by creatives and organizers. Here, Style.com/Arabia speaks to the platform’s co-directors to give you an inside look into the design week’s highlights, along with exclusive photos of the various exhibitions.

The nine-day event will showcase the works of regional designers across 40 venues in Amman’s downtown area. In conversation with Style.com/Arabia, ADW’s co-director, Rana Beiruti, explained, “ADW will bring together over 100 local and regional designers to kick start a public conversation about design in Jordan.”

A CULTURE OF EXPERIMENTATION
Rana Beiruti expressed that “ADW will have a little something for everyone. It is not just about the fantastic exhibitions and installations; there are also many cultural activities taking place that will revive public spaces.” ADW launches with the Hangar Exhibition at the Ras El Ain Gallery. Designed and curated by Jordanian architect Sahel Al Hiyari, this exhibition showcases works by experimental designers that push the limits of function, scale, and form.

Among the installations is Al-Warqaa by Iraqi artist Adel Abidin. The art piece is a mixed media sculpture of a suspended dove that draws inspiration from the poem Ode to a Human Soul by historical Islamic writer Ibn Sina. On a more intimate scale, visitors can expect to see a rocking chair, cane, and coat hanger on display. The household items draw on pieces found in the homes of the creators’ Lebanese grandmothers, and are reworked into contemporary designs.

Al-Warqaa by Adel Abidin, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

Al-Warqaa by Adel Abidin, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

THE TECH-FOCUSED FUTURE OF DESIGN
Pushing the envelope of advanced robotics is “The Maker Space” venue, located in the Jordan Museum. This interactive expo explores 3D-printing, digital fabrication technology, and audio-visual devices. Jordanian illustrator, graphic designer, and graffiti artist Yara Hindawi features a series of 3D-printed vinyl dolls, creatively blending tech with childhood nostalgia.

Ghosts by Yara Hindawi, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

Ghosts by Yara Hindawi, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

HONORING TRADITION
A stone’s throw from The Roman Theater is The Crafts District. Here, an exhibition curated by Jordan-based architect Dina Haddadin invites visitors to explore the traditional art of weaving, embroidery, pottery, and ceramics. Case in point: The Kheit Halfa ala Hait Khalfa (Banana Leaves and Halfa Grass) installation by Amman-based architect Sabrina Baggili and Doha-based multidisciplinary artist Bayan Dahdah sees local women employ the use of banana leaves and cattail reeds to produce household pieces.

Kheit Halfa ala Heit Khalfa by Sabrina Baggili and Bayan Dahdah in collaboration with Jordan River Foundation – Wadi Al Rayan Project, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

Kheit Halfa ala Heit Khalfa by Sabrina Baggili and Bayan Dahdah in collaboration with Jordan River Foundation – Wadi Al Rayan Project, courtesy of Amman Design Week.

In addition to the exhibitions, visitors can engage in workshops, attend talks, and shop stalls that boast an array of fashion, accessories, and jewelry designs. Reflecting on the impact of the Design Week, co-director Abeer Seikaly remarked, “I am confident that by the end of ADW, designers will have received the learning and networking opportunities needed to foster their talent and grow the design sector in Jordan and the Middle East.” As for what mark it will leave on visitors, Seikaly affirmed, “Guests will have enhanced their understanding of design and how it shapes our lives and communities.”

Amman Design Week will run from September 1st until September 9th in downtown Amman, Jordan. Explore the gallery for more exclusive images of Amman Design Week.

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