Jul 20, 2026 · 47 min · 12 segments
We're thrilled to welcome Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design. As one of the key figures behind the region's leading contemporary design fair, Mette shares her journey, the evolution…
Mette Degn-ChristensenGuestValeriaHostChadHost[instrumental music] Here, the, the ambition is, is not, it's not, oh, is that really going to be feasible, or we don't know.
It's the feel that you can do it.
To, for whatever feel-
... can try.
Or can try, yeah.
Today we have a super fun guest-
... with us.
Someone who's been shaping Downtown Design, someone who has a lot of insights on the platform design, art, so much more, Mette Deng Christensen.
Welcome, Mette.
Thank you so much for joining us today.
[instrumental music]
Wha- what was it that took you guys and, and, and made you decide that you wanted to create one of the largest design platforms that we have in the region?
Well, I think what's important is to remember that it didn't happen ...
We didn't sit around a table and go, "Let's create the biggest platform."
[laughs]
Mm.
What do you feel like was missing at that point here?
I don't think it's missing, but the UAE didn't have 300 years of design industry.
We evolved.
Yeah
... we've kind of fast-tracked all of that, so ... [instrumental music]
Hi, Valeria.
[laughs] Hi, hi.
Hi, Shad.
How are you doing today?
I'm great.
How are you doing?
Good.
Um, I will just dive in today.
We have a super fun guest-
Okay
... with us, someone who's been shaping Downtown Design for quite some time, uh, someone who has a lot of insights on the platform design, art, and, uh, so much more, Mette Deng Christensen.
Welcome, Mette.
Thank you so much for joining us today.
Read the full transcript.
Create an account to read the whole episode, search across every transcript, and follow the shows you care about.
