Three major figures from the world of design, Sheikh Majed Hamoud Al-Sabah, Karim Rashid and Ricky Burdett are helping to put the Arab world on the design map by joining the advisory board of the International Design Initiative (IDI).

Created by Moutamarat, the IDI is the first high-profile creativity and design platform of its kind to emerge from the Arab world. It brings together experts from around the world to exchange knowledge and raise awareness on issues vital to the design industries, and to build a better understanding of the complex role of creativity and design in the business and socio-political spheres, said a statement.

Moutamarat is a joint venture between Tatweer, a Dubai Holding Company, and Saudi Research and Publishing Company. It is a pan-Arab business initiative seeking to create business knowledge for the Arab world.

The IDI is being developed around a flagship series of research projects, meetings, forums, debates, installations and visits. Its aims are comprehensive and its activities will impact on all aspects of global design, it said.

Its stated aim is to turn a spotlight on the design innovations taking place in the Arab world and abroad. It will spark debate, ensure design remains a key driver of change and act as a bridge between regional and international designers.

The IDI’s flagship event is the International Design Forum (IDF), which will be held in Dubai from February 3 to 5, 2007. The IDF 2007 will focus on industrial and urban design as well as on the relationship between design, business and creativity.

The activities of the IDI are guided and supported by a high-profile Design Advisory Board. Sheikh Majed Hamoud Al-Sabah, Karim Rashid and Ricky Burdett join the board’s 15 other design luminaries which include Zaha Hadid, architect, UK and Professor at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna; Nadim Karam, architect, artist and principal, Atelier Hapsitus, Lebanon; Bernard Khoury, architect, DW5, Lebanon; Rem Koolhaas, architect and principal of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, OMA, The Netherlands; Khalid al-Najjar, architect and principal [dxb] LAB, UAE; Stefano Boeri, architect, urban planner and editor of Domus, Italy.

The board is scheduled to convene in Dubai and other locations prior to the IDF. Throughout the rest of the year, board members will be in regular contact with Moutamarat to discuss areas of responsibility and involvement, contributions to design publications and participation in special events. -TradeArabia News Service