In an age where creativity meets technology, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) has emerged as a cutting-edge university dedicated to educating the next generation of designers, innovators, and change-makers. Strategically located in the Dubai Design District (d3), DIDI University is the first of its kind in the region, offering a unique approach to multidisciplinary design education.
🏛️ About DIDI University
DIDI was founded in 2018 as a private, non-profit institution accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Created to fill a regional gap in design education, DIDI equips students with the skills and mindset required for the ever-evolving global design industry.
With a strong emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, DIDI has positioned itself as a hub for aspiring designers who wish to lead in industries such as fashion, product design, multimedia, and business strategy.
🎓 Bachelor of Design (BDes): A Flexible Curriculum
At the heart of DIDI’s academic offerings is its Bachelor of Design (BDes) program—a four-year undergraduate degree that offers an interdisciplinary curriculum unlike any other in the Middle East.
Students choose two concentrations from the following four:
- Product Design: Focuses on creating innovative physical solutions for everyday problems.
- Fashion Design: Blends textile science, fashion theory, and sustainability to inspire new-age fashion designers.
- Multimedia Design: Covers digital storytelling, motion graphics, and user interface design.
- Strategic Design Management: Combines design thinking with business strategy, preparing students to become creative leaders.
This dual-concentration format allows students to customize their learning path and graduate with a skill set tailored to their career goals.
🌍 Global Academic Collaborations
What sets DIDI apart is its collaboration with two world-renowned institutions:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – For its innovative approach to technology and design.
- Parsons School of Design (New York) – One of the most prestigious art and design schools globally.
These partnerships ensure DIDI’s curriculum aligns with international standards while remaining regionally relevant.
🏢 A Campus Built for Creativity
DIDI is located in Dubai Design District (d3), the UAE’s epicenter for design, fashion, and innovation. The campus itself is designed to foster collaboration, experimentation, and inspiration.
Facilities include:
- Open studios and creative workspaces
- Digital fabrication labs with 3D printers and laser cutters
- Photography and video production suites
- Collaborative classrooms and social spaces
Students are surrounded by top-tier design agencies, global brands, and start-ups—giving them unparalleled exposure to the real-world creative industry.
📝 Admissions & Requirements
To apply to DIDI University, students must:
- Have completed 12 years of education (or equivalent)
- Submit a personal statement outlining their passion for design
- Provide academic transcripts and English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/EmSAT)
- Complete a creative task or portfolio assessment (optional but recommended)
DIDI admits students in Fall and Spring intakes, with scholarships available for eligible candidates based on merit and potential.
🎓 Scholarships and Financial Support
DIDI offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships each year. To apply, students must:
- Receive a conditional or full offer of admission
- Pay a non-refundable seat reservation deposit
- Submit a completed scholarship application form
Scholarships may cover up to a significant portion of tuition fees, based on the strength of the application and academic performance.
🚀 Beyond the Classroom: Innovation in Action
DIDI students participate in industry-driven projects, international competitions, and sustainability-focused design labs. Notable programs include:
- Project Design Space (PDS) – The largest student design competition in the UAE
- Terra Carta Design Lab UAE – A climate-focused initiative launched in collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative
- Internships & Mentorships – With global companies in tech, fashion, media, and design
DIDI students are not just learning—they’re creating, testing, and launching ideas into the real world.
📞 Contact DIDI University
- Website: www.didi.ac.ae
- Email: admissions@didi.ac.ae
- Phone: +971 4 568 7800
- Location: Dubai Design District, Building 4, Dubai, UAE
✅ Final Thoughts
DIDI University offers more than just a design degree—it offers an opportunity to shape the future. By combining creativity with business insight and real-world application, DIDI equips students to become global leaders in the design industry.
If you’re passionate about innovation, driven by creativity, and want to turn ideas into impact—DIDI might just be your perfect launchpad.