Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s School of Textiles and Design recently celebrated the achievements of its graduating students through the Global Degree Show 2026, an exhibition highlighting innovative projects and future-focused design thinking across multiple disciplines.

The annual showcase brought together students, academics, industry professionals, alumni and families to explore a diverse collection of work created by final-year students in Communication Design, Fashion Branding and Promotion, and Interior Architecture and Design, alongside selected projects from the university’s master’s programme.

The exhibition reflected the creativity, innovation and critical thinking skills developed by students throughout their studies, while offering visitors a glimpse into the next generation of design professionals.

Senior academic leaders addressed attendees during the event, including Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Professor Fiona Grant and Dr Mohamed Al-Musleh. They emphasised the growing role of design in driving industry transformation and preparing graduates for an evolving global workplace.

One of the highlights of the evening was “The Transition Talk: How Graduates Actually Get Started,” moderated by Dr Dima Alkawadri. The discussion featured alumni who shared their experiences of entering the creative industries and offered practical advice to students preparing to begin their professional careers.

Panelists included Lilya Smolenskaya, Jenessa Dsilva and Ekta Savarkar.

The programme also featured a series of Lightning Talks exploring developments in design research and professional practice. Professor Louise Valentine discussed trends shaping the research landscape, while Nez Gebral highlighted emerging opportunities and challenges within the creative sector.

A significant milestone of this year’s event was the launch of the Global Degree Show Digital Showcase, which includes editorial and immersive online platforms designed to extend the reach of student work beyond the physical exhibition. The initiative aims to provide graduates with greater global visibility while strengthening connections with industry and potential employers.

The evening concluded with an awards ceremony recognising exceptional student achievement. The Design Futures Award was presented to Alina Kostyleva from Interior Architecture and Design. Appreciation Certificates were awarded to Yuan Zhang from Fashion Branding and Promotion and Tatiana Bacova from Communication Design.

The university also recognised students whose projects best reflected its graduate attributes. This year’s recipients were Shokhida Abduvalieva (Fashion Branding and Promotion), Hazar Rustom (Interior Architecture and Design) and Maryam Najem (Communication Design).

More than an exhibition of final-year projects, the Global Degree Show 2026 served as a celebration of creativity, innovation and future potential, showcasing a new generation of designers ready to make their mark on the industry.