What we’re about
Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE, formerly User Experience (UX) UAE, was born from Designers new to the region and wanting to share experiences and grow the UAE Design community. The mission of this meetup is for Designers to get together and talk about best practices and emerging techniques in Human Centred Design. We welcome people from all backgrounds interested in design. We meet as often as we can and in the spirit of further education set an optional reading component from a book related to the topic of discussion. Details of the books read and the upcoming reading list will be published in advance. You can be ensured of a lively discussion on all things design.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Will AI lead or follow design? The Debate Starts HereThe Courtyard Playhouse, , Dubai
NOTE: Ticket numbers are STRICTLY LIMITED and on Eventbrite ONLY
For our upcoming Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup, we have booked The Courtyard Playhouse for something theatrical.
This isn’t a panel.
It’s not a keynote.
For the first time ever, we will showcase design on stage to confront ideas, seek clarity, and uphold our beliefs.
We’ve already secured the tickets. You can claim yours with 100% off, but only if you commit to the conversation.
The Motion:
AI will lead designWe asked the community, and this was the winning vote. Now we’re making it real.
This is a space for thoughtful disagreement, where ideas are tested, challenged, and clarified.
We’re not just looking for opinions.
We’re looking for high-res thinking.
Meet the voices who’ll take a side:
👍 FOR
Tim Daines - Co-Founder & CPDO - Synaptix
“The scariest thing about AI? Designers who sketch themselves out of a job - creativity becomes causality.”Tim strongly believes in the potential loss of originality and innovation when designers overly depend on AI.
Jay Tulloch - Head of Platform Product Design - Careem
"AI will lead design into places we’ve never imagined."
Jay sees a shift coming. AI won’t just support design; it’ll steer it.👎 AGAINST
Angelique Alexander - Principal Design Lead - A171
"The integration of AI demands clear leadership, and that leadership belongs to design."Angelique believes AI is a powerful tool for enhancing design skills and processes, but it should never dictate or replace them.
Mila Krus - Head of Interaction Design and Visual Design - Emirates NBD
"Designers don’t play nice. But we play smart."Mila’s here to tell us why design needs to stay in control, even with AI lurking in the background. Can we trust AI to know what’s best for design?
What to expect...
- A structured debate format with two teams competing
- Real-time audience voting on which side made the stronger case
- A chance to witness how design and AI intersect and compete for clarity
- Engaging discussions, intellectual tension, and moments that might challenge your perspective.
This is the place if you’ve ever wanted to see design ideas tested, challenged, and pushed to the limit.
70 seats only. No fence-sitting. Claim your seat before 1st May.
Ticket numbers are STRICTLY LIMITED and on Eventbrite ONLY
- June Dubai Meetup: Culture-First Design and Designing InnovationLock, Stock & Barrel JBR, Dubai
We’re heading back to the Secret Garden at LSB in JBR Rixos this June for another night of lightning talks, good vibes, and some of the best design conversations in town.
Join us for two sharp talks from seasoned design leaders, followed by plenty of time to connect, reflect, and network over drinks.
🗓 Event Schedule
📍 Venue: Secret Garden, Lock, Stock & Barrel – JBR Rixos
📅 Date: Thursday, 12 June
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – Late- 6:30–7:30 PM – Arrival & Networking
- 7:30–7:50 PM – Talk 1 + Q&A
- 8:00–8:20 PM – Talk 2 + Q&A
- 8:30 PM onward – More networking!
🎙 Talk 1 Culture-First Design: Building Brands That Truly Resonate
Speaker: Joumana Mahmoud, Experience Design Director at frogDesign shapes how users experience a brand, but without cultural relevance, even the best design can fall flat. Joumana explores how a cultural lens uncovers deeper insights, helping brands go beyond generic solutions to create meaningful, locally resonant experiences.
About Joumana:
With over a decade of experience across industries, Joumana blends strategy and craft to design brands, products, and services that connect deeply with local contexts. She currently leads as a Design Director at frog.🎙 Talk 2 Designing Innovation in a World of Infinite Ideas: From Noise to Impact
Speaker: Damien Lucien Nunes, Senior CX & Innovation Manager, Majid Al FuttaimInnovation is everywhere, but how do you make it count? Damien will share how to move past surface-level ideas and build innovation ecosystems that create real impact. Learn how to blend open and closed innovation strategies and leverage the right communities to drive purposeful change.
About Damien:
Damien has 10+ years of experience in service design, innovation, and academia. He currently leads CX and innovation efforts for one of the region’s top conglomerates, driving strategy and transformation across industries.🎟 RSVP Now
Whether you're deep in design, new to innovation, or just curious about creating impact, this event is for you. Expect bold ideas, great conversations, and inspiring people.
