HCD UAE Meetup | The DDX Lightning Edition | DubaiBuilding on the magic of **DDX Dubai**, the Human Centred Design UAE Meetup is bringing together a special evening of lightning talks from some of the standout voices from the conference.
DDX has quickly become one of the region’s most important gatherings for **design, product thinking, and innovation**. For those who attended, you know the energy. For those who missed it, this is your chance to experience some of that thinking and inspiration.
This edition will also be **broadcast live internationally**, allowing the global design community to join the conversation.
We are also excited to host the meetup in a **new venue for our community: Dtec at Dubai Silicon Oasis**, one of the region’s leading hubs for startups and innovation.
📍 Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis
🗓 9 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
🎥 In-person + Live Broadcast
* Google Meet joining info
* Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uij-fzca-ebu
* Or dial: (US) +1 408-909-8769 PIN: 588 196 874#
* More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/uij-fzca-ebu?pin=8224850544892
## What to Expect
Across a series of fast-paced lightning talks, our speakers will explore a shared theme that runs through DDX:
**How design is evolving in an era of AI, startups, complex systems, and new forms of leadership.**
From product research and venture design to philosophy, enterprise design, and UX leadership, the evening will explore how designers can:
• Shape better products and services
• Navigate uncertainty and emerging technologies
• Influence strategy and decision making
• Design responsibly for people and society
Each speaker will deliver a concise version of their DDX talk followed by networking with the community.
## Speakers
**[Ana Sofia Gonzalez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anasofiagonzalez/)**
Principal Product Designer, Microsoft
**[Leopold Ajami](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leopoldajami/)**
Chief Influence Officer, Novel Philosophy Academy
**[Joumana Mahmoud](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joumana-mahmoud/)**
Head of Design, frog
**[Chris Downes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/crash-s-downes-009852113/)**
CoFounder, Scaleable Capital
**[Arya Dris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-d-s/)**
Lead UX Designer, Mashreq
Together, they bring perspectives from **big tech, fintech, venture capital, philosophy, product research, and design leadership**.
## Why Attend
• Learn from leading designers and thinkers shaping the region
• Get a taste of the ideas presented at **DDX Dubai**
• Connect with the growing **UAE design and startup community**
• Meet designers, researchers, founders, and innovators
• Experience the HCD UAE Meetup community in a new venue
## Hosted by
**Human Centred Design UAE Meetup**
## Venue Partner
**Dtec – Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus**
One of the largest tech startup campuses in the region.
## Sponsor
Proudly supported by **aspexx.**
## Join Us
Whether you are a designer, researcher, product manager, founder, or simply curious about the future of design, this will be a fantastic evening of learning, conversation, and connection.