HCD UAE Meetup | The DDX Lightning Edition

Building 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

## 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
Principal Product Designer, Microsoft
Rowan Salama
Lean Product Researcher, Careem (Uber)
Leopold Ajami
Chief Influence Officer, Novel Philosophy Academy
Joumana Mahmoud
Head of Design, frog
Chris Downes
CoFounder, Scaleable Capital
Arya Dris
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.