The Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup is returning to the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) for a high-octane evening of innovation and strategy. Scheduled for April 9, 2026, “The DDX Lightning Edition” serves as a condensed, fast-paced follow-up to the prestigious DDX Dubai conference. This event is specifically designed for designers, product managers, researchers, and founders who are eager to explore how design thinking drives product innovation and tackles complex organizational systems in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Event Details
- What: HCD UAE Meetup | The DDX Lightning Edition
- When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Where: Dtec – Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Focus Areas: Human-Centred Design, Product Strategy, AI Integration, and UX Leadership
About The Event
The HCD UAE Meetup is a cornerstone of the regional design community, fostering a space where professionals can share insights on the intersection of humanity and technology. Building on the momentum of DDX Dubai—one of the Middle East’s most significant gatherings for design and innovation—this “Lightning Edition” brings the energy of the main stage to a more intimate, accessible setting. Hosted at Dtec, one of the region’s largest tech startup hubs, the event aims to bridge the gap between global design trends and the local startup ecosystem. To ensure a global impact, this edition will also be broadcast live internationally, connecting the UAE’s design leaders with the global community.
What to Expect
Attendees can look forward to a structured evening that balances intense learning with high-value networking. The core of the event features:
- Lightning Talks: A series of concise, high-impact presentations derived from standout DDX Dubai sessions, focusing on navigating uncertainty and emerging technologies.
- Strategic Insights: Discussions on how design influences high-level decision-making and responsible product development for society.
- Networking: Dedicated time to connect with a diverse crowd of innovators, venture designers, and tech professionals within the Dtec campus.
- Hybrid Experience: An in-person gathering supplemented by a live international broadcast for those unable to attend in Dubai.
Featured Speakers
The event features a powerhouse lineup of experts from big tech, fintech, and design consultancy, including:
- Ana Sofia Gonzalez: Principal Product Designer at Microsoft
- Rowan Salama: Lean Product Researcher at Careem (Uber)
- Joumana Mahmoud: Head of Design at frog
- Aya Dris: Lead UX Designer at Mashreq
- Leopold Ajami: Chief Influence Officer at Novel Philosophy Academy
- Chris Downes: Co-Founder of Scaleable Capital
How to Attend
Registration is required to attend either the in-person event at Dubai Silicon Oasis or the live international broadcast. Interested professionals, founders, and students can secure their spot and view ticketing options through the official Eventbrite listing. Early registration is encouraged as the HCD UAE community meetups frequently reach capacity.
About The Organizers
The event is organized by the Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup community, a group dedicated to advancing the practice of design in the region. The edition is hosted in partnership with Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus), the signature coworking and startup initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis, and is proudly sponsored by aspexx, a firm specializing in digital transformation and design talent.
Learn More: Eventbrite
