Students at Heriot-Watt University Dubai have showcased innovative design projects with real-world relevance at the Global Degree Show 2026, offering educators, industry professionals, parents and aspiring creatives a glimpse into the future of design, branding and interior architecture.
Hosted by the School of Textiles and Design, the annual exhibition celebrated the achievements of graduating students while demonstrating how higher education is preparing young creatives for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.
Global Degree Show 2026 Showcases Diverse Student Creativity
The exhibition brought together students, academics, industry leaders, alumni and families to explore a wide range of final-year projects.
Work on display featured students from Communication Design, Fashion Branding and Promotion, and Interior Architecture and Design programmes. Selected projects from the Master’s programme were also showcased.
The exhibition reflected not only creative talent but also the critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills increasingly valued by employers across the UAE’s growing creative economy.
Senior academic leaders addressed guests during the event, including Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost; Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean of the School of Textiles and Design; and Dr Mohamed Al-Musleh, Head of School.
Their messages focused on the growing importance of design disciplines in shaping industries, communities and future workplaces.
Industry Insights Help Graduates Navigate Creative Careers
A key feature of the evening was The Transition Talk, ‘How Graduates Actually Get Started’.
Moderated by Dr Dima Alkawadri, the discussion provided practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce. Panel members included alumni Lilya Smolenskaya, former Interior Design Intern at Raw Editions; Jenessa Dsilva, Creative and Marketing Executive at Masafa Investments; and Ekta Savarkar, Brand Marketing Trainee at Fenty Beauty UAE.
The session explored the realities of starting a career in the creative sector, offering graduates valuable perspectives on professional development, industry expectations and career progression. For students considering creative degree pathways, discussions such as these provide important insight into how academic learning translates into employment opportunities.
Design Research and Industry Trends Take Centre Stage
The programme also featured a series of Lightning Talks examining the future of design research and professional practice. Professor Louise Valentine, Associate Director of Research, shared insights into developments within the research landscape. Meanwhile, Nez Gebral, Chair of the Industry Advisory Board, explored emerging trends influencing the creative industries.
These conversations highlighted how design education is evolving alongside industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with both creative and strategic skills.
Digital Showcase Launch and Student Awards Highlight Global Degree Show 2026
One of the most significant developments announced during the event was the launch of the Global Degree Show Digital Showcase. The new platform incorporates both Editorial and Immersive Degree Show experiences, enabling student projects to reach audiences beyond the physical exhibition space.
For graduates, this provides increased visibility among employers, industry professionals and prospective collaborators worldwide. Additionally, it reflects the growing role of digital portfolios and online showcases within creative industries.
As a result, students can continue building professional networks and demonstrating their work long after graduation. The evening also concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating exceptional student achievement.
The Design Futures Award was presented by Dr Louise Delicato, Acting Head of the School of Social Sciences (SoSS), to Alina Kostyleva from Interior Architecture and Design. Appreciation Certificates were awarded to Yuan Zhang from Fashion Branding and Promotion and Tatiana Bacova from Communication Design.
Meanwhile, the Graduate Attribute Awards were presented by Professor Raj Sharma, Head of Global College. These awards recognised projects that best reflected the university’s graduate attributes.
This year’s recipients were Shokhida Abduvalieva from Fashion Branding and Promotion, Hazar Rustom from Interior Architecture and Design, and Maryam Najem from Communication Design.
Preparing Graduates for the Future of Design
Beyond celebrating academic achievement, the Global Degree Show 2026 demonstrated the growing importance of creative education in preparing students for future careers.
As the UAE continues to invest in creative industries, innovation and design-led sectors, graduates with strong technical, research and communication skills are increasingly well-positioned to contribute to the country’s economic and cultural development. The work presented at the exhibition highlighted a generation of designers, innovators and creative thinkers ready to shape the future through fresh ideas, meaningful experiences and purposeful design.
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Further Reading
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