The boundaries that traditionally separated 'Design' from 'Art' have become increasingly blurred, with many contemporary designers proudly taking their places as artists in their own right. Featuring graphic artist Zena Adhami, artist/designer Khawla Al Marri, graphic designer Khalid Mezaina and moderated by Cyril Zammit, Director of Design Days Dubai, 'Present Design' will discuss the factors at work in the current design environment and explore the vital role to be played by independent designers. The discussion will explore questions such as how the panelists would describe design in the UAE as well as what they are looking forward to in terms of the development of design in the region. The panelists will be discussing the challenges that designers face when making a career in and the role of academia in future of design. The three designers will also show a selection slides illustrating the current evolution of their work. 'Present Design' panel discussion is being presented in cooperation with Design Days Dubai and is part of the monthly series of talks titled "Design Stories". Design Stories will carry forward access to the design world by inviting conversation, encouraging discussion and stimulating debate. It will be focusing on the history behind key aesthetic movements, the market of design and the design trends. Design Stories will involve local and international exhibitors and speakers from the 2013 edition of Design Days Dubai. The Panelists: ZENA ADHAMI, a UAE born graphic artist, currently residing between Dubai and San Francisco developed the concept of the daily Everyday Dubai where she explores her interests in new media, and visual articulation. KHAWLA AL-MARRI creates culturally inspired contemporary art and design projects. Her work involves adopting and learning from the much-renowned works of Warhol, Van Gogh, and Picasso, and tastefully merging it with the tradition of her native UAE. She also practices both street art installation and graffiti as research projects. KHALID MEZAINA is the founder of the young brand labeledkrossbreed, which promises contemporary, culturally-infused designs with an unconventional flare. Khalid is an active social networker and blogger and has created a range of limited edition t-shirts titled "from me to you" as a homage to the gesture of gift giving. The Moderator CYRIL ZAMMIT is the fair director of Design Days Dubai. Launched in March 2012, Design Days Dubai is the first and only fair in the Middle East and South Asia entirely dedicated to collectible and limited edition. With over 20 leading design galleries from 14 different countries, Design Days Dubai established itself as the flagship forum for the design industry and a catalyst that drives its growth in the region. The next edition will take place in Downtown Dubai from 18th until 21st March, 2013.