Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation

The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is a private, non-profit university established in 2018 to advance the UAE’s design economy. Located in the dynamic Dubai Design District, it offers the region’s first multidisciplinary Bachelor of Design, integrating visual, technological, and strategic skills. Supported by global partners such as MIT and Parsons, DIDI prepares students to solve emerging design challenges through experimentation and critical thinking.

With small cohorts and a research-driven, studio-based model, the university cultivates agile creators equipped for future industries. Its mission focuses on empowering students to enhance human experience through bold, innovative design.

DIDI’s strong industry network equips students with a competitive edge across design-focused sectors. Partnerships with global institutions and leading regional firms facilitate access to internships, mentorship, and collaborative learning, giving students early exposure to professional environments in product development, digital media, fashion, and strategy.

Graduates build robust portfolios supported by career services offering personalized coaching and employer connections. With an expanding alumni community and a campus embedded within Dubai’s creative hub, DIDI ensures students enter the workforce ready to lead, innovate, and adapt in fast-changing design economies.

DIDI stands out for its multidisciplinary flexibility, allowing students to combine design, technology, and strategy in ways unmatched by traditional programs. Its non-profit mission ensures a strong focus on quality education, delivered by international faculty and supported by globally recognized partners. This makes DIDI particularly suited for forward-thinking learners seeking to explore emerging design fields.

Located in d3, students gain unparalleled exposure to industry events and creative leaders. Scholarships, studio-based learning, and real-world projects reinforce practical mastery while enabling students to build competitive portfolios that align with future market needs.

DIDI drives meaningful innovation through design-led research and cross-sector collaborations. Students work with industry and government partners to prototype solutions addressing sustainability, technology integration, and user-centered systems, contributing to the UAE’s broader innovation agenda. This approach empowers learners to create tangible impact in areas such as eco-fashion, smart products, and digital experiences.

Entrepreneurial support encourages students to transform ideas into viable ventures, while interdisciplinary initiatives with medical and business institutions spark inventive breakthroughs. DIDI’s commitment to advancing the regional creative economy positions it as a catalyst for forward-looking design practice.

What makes DIDI’s BDes unique? DIDI offers the region’s only program where students pair two design disciplines, enabling hybrid skills that align with future industries. Its studio model and global academic partners ensure world-class training.

How do internships work? Internships occur in year three, supported by faculty and career services. While competitive, placements are facilitated through DIDI’s strong industry ties, giving students valuable real-world experience.

What scholarships exist? Students can apply for merit-based funding such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship or Creative Talent Awards, which reduce tuition significantly based on performance or portfolio strength.

DIDI requires applicants to submit a high school certificate, proof of English proficiency, and a creative portfolio. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with earlier submissions recommended for scholarship consideration. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or portfolio review to assess creative potential.

Students benefit from visa support, access to nearby private accommodation, and comprehensive orientation covering academic expectations and UAE living requirements. Tuition varies annually, with financial aid options available. The campus’s central d3 location ensures convenient transportation and integration into Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.