Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 July 2025: Abu Dhabi University's (ADU) Interior Design Program recently welcomed leading industry experts, academic professionals, and accomplished alumni to its main campus to evaluate 26 final projects of graduating students. The gathering marked a key milestone in the students' academic journey, providing a platform to present their design work, gain professional feedback, and connect with potential career opportunities. It also reaffirmed ADU's commitment to delivering industry-aligned, future-ready education that bridges the gap between learning and real-world application.
The jury included eight senior designers and representatives from renowned firms including Minotti, Bloomingdale's Dubai, Aati, INSITE Contracting and Interiors, AECOM, Canadian University Dubai, and Amalya Decoration. Several of the jury members were also ADU alumni with over a decade of experience, returning to mentor the next generation of interior designers.
Dr. Ahmed Elshakhs, Interior Design Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Interior Design at Abu Dhabi University, said: 'Our students delivered forward-thinking projects that reflect a deep understanding of contemporary design trends, user-centered thinking, and practical application. By presenting to leading figures from the industry, they demonstrated not only creativity but also career-ready skills that align with today's market needs. At ADU, we're committed to providing future-focused, industry-aligned education that equips students to contribute meaningfully to the creative economy locally and internationally'
Projects presented ranged from a culinary institute to an engineering library and an ancient Egyptian museum, each demonstrating students' mastery of research-led design, advanced rendering techniques, and space planning.
The alumna panelists expressed their enthusiasm for being part of the jury, describing it as a meaningful experience to return to where their design journey began and witness the creativity, professionalism, and potential of the university's future designers.
In parallel, ADU's Department of Architecture and Interior Design also held its annual Furniture Design Exhibition. The exhibition showcased over 60 student projects, including full-scale prototypes, process posters, and custom design publications. It offered students a platform to apply technical skills in joinery detailing, laser cutting, and 3D printing, while exploring diverse stylistic approaches such as Sustainability, Scandinavian, Minimalism, and Bohemian.
Dr. Ali Elamaireh, Associate Professor of Interior Design, Department of Architecture and Interior Design at Abu Dhabi University, said: 'The exhibition is a celebration of innovation, skill, and creativity. It offers students a valuable opportunity to turn conceptual ideas into functional pieces, while also deepening their understanding of materials, fabrication, and visual storytelling.'
Ms. Ayah Hamash, Teaching Assistant at Abu Dhabi University, added: 'Every year, we are proud to witness our students push boundaries through thoughtful experimentation and technical precision. This year's exhibition reflects ADU's commitment to hands-on learning and cultivating a design mindset that is both sustainable and market-relevant.'
The exhibition highlighted ADU's continued focus on hands-on learning and innovation, offering students real-world experience in conceptual design, materiality, and production processes which are essential foundations for impactful design careers.
