Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation

Introduction

In a city defined by ambition, architecture, and bold ideas, the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is shaping a new generation of designers who are as entrepreneurial as they are creative. Founded in 2018, DIDI is a pioneering private university located in the heart of the Dubai Design District (d3), a purpose-built creative hub that embodies the future of art, fashion, technology, and business in the region.

The institute was established through a groundbreaking collaboration between four major players: the UAE Ministry of Education, TECOM Group, and two world-renowned design institutions—Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Media Lab and Parsons School of Design in New York.

This strategic partnership was more than symbolic. It laid the groundwork for a bold academic experiment in the Middle East, one where innovation, cross-disciplinarity, and future readiness are not just buzzwords, but built into the DNA of the curriculum. DIDI’s mission is to deliver a world-class education in design, one that transcends traditional boundaries and prepares students for the realities of a rapidly evolving creative economy.

With a tight-knit student body and faculty drawn from all over the globe, DIDI operates more like an incubator than a traditional university. Students are encouraged to explore their creative identity while solving real-world problems—whether that means developing wearable tech, rethinking sustainable packaging, or launching their own fashion label. In just a few years, DIDI has gained a reputation for being one of the most innovative and future-focused design schools in the Middle East.

To learn more Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), book a free consultation with LCI Group today!

Key Statistics

• Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• International Student Population: Approx. 40%
• Acceptance Rate: Estimated around 50%

Accreditation and Affiliations

DIDI is officially licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation.

Its academic programs are designed in consultation with international partners, ensuring global relevance. The collaborative input from MIT and Parsons continues to shape the institute’s curriculum and teaching philosophy, offering students an education benchmarked against global standards.

Academic Information

Programs Offered

DIDI currently offers a Bachelor of Design (BDes), a four-year undergraduate program that allows students to customize their learning by combining two of the following specializations:

• Product Design
• Multimedia Design
• Fashion Design
• Strategic Design Management

This dual-path approach encourages cross-pollination of ideas, helping students think beyond silos and develop a multidisciplinary design language. The program emphasizes:

• Studio-based learning
• Industry-led projects
• User-centered design
• Entrepreneurial thinking

Tuition Fees

Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. AED 98,000 (~USD 24,000)

Admission Requirements

• High School Certificate with a minimum average of 75% (or equivalent)
• Portfolio Submission (8–12 examples of creative work)
• Personal Statement (about 500 words outlining passion for design)

English Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 80
• PTE Academic: 65

Equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education for international students

Rankings and Recognition

While DIDI is still too young to feature in the QS World University Rankings 2025 or THE World University Rankings 2025, it has been featured in regional listings and is gaining international recognition through:

• Participating in global design competitions
• High-impact student projects showcased at international events
• Strategic visibility via partnerships with top design schools

As the institute matures, its reputation is expected to grow steadily within the design education landscape.

Campus Facilities

Located in the iconic Dubai Design District, the DIDI campus is designed to inspire. Students have access to:

• Cutting-edge Design Studios
• Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines
• Media Production Suites and digital editing labs
• Collaborative Workspaces with open-plan, cross-functional layouts
• Library with a strong focus on design, technology, and entrepreneurship
• On-campus exhibition spaces and rooftop event zones

Support Services

International Student Support

DIDI provides personalized guidance for international students, including:

• Visa support and residency services
• Cultural adaptation workshops
• Onboarding sessions and academic support

Career Services

• Career development is a cornerstone of DIDI’s mission. Services include:
• One-on-one mentorship with faculty and industry professionals
• Portfolio building workshops
• Internship placements with regional and global design firms
• Start-up incubator access for entrepreneurial students

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

DIDI offers a variety of merit-based scholarships and financial support:

• Academic Excellence Scholarships (up to 75% tuition coverage)
• Creative Talent Awards for outstanding portfolios
• Leadership and Community Impact Grants
• Financial aid is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, ensuring accessibility for passionate students regardless of background.

Study at Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation

If you’re driven by curiosity, moved by aesthetics, and determined to change the world through creativity—DIDI might just be your launchpad. Here, design isn’t just about visuals. It’s about vision. You’ll graduate with more than a degree: you’ll leave with a portfolio, a purpose, and the mindset to lead the creative industries of tomorrow. Dubai’s boldness is contagious, and DIDI channels that energy into every studio brief, mentorship session, and community initiative.

To study at Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, book a free consultation LCI Group today.