Make Works UAE Directory
Make Works UAE is a sourcing directory that links designers, artists and makers with regional manufacturers, fabricators and material suppliers. Operated as a Tashkeel initiative with support from Dubai Culture, it serves as a starting point for anyone seeking local production partners. This page explains what the platform covers and how to use it responsibly alongside our practical guide on choosing a production partner.
Purpose and background
The platform was established to bridge the gap between creative practitioners and the industrial workshops capable of realising their projects. Rather than functioning as a marketplace with fixed pricing, it operates as a curated index of capabilities across the Emirates.
By mapping local expertise, the initiative helps reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing for prototypes, limited editions and bespoke commissions. It also highlights the breadth of fabrication skills available within the country, supporting both emerging practitioners and established studios.
Categories covered
The directory organises entries by material discipline and service type. Sourced examples of listed categories include ceramics, furniture and upholstery, branding solutions and jewellery (make.works/regions/uae). These groupings reflect the range of workshops currently documented rather than an exhaustive inventory of every facility in the region.
Each entry typically outlines the workshop's core competencies, equipment and contact details. Because the platform focuses on discovery, users must approach suppliers directly to discuss specific project requirements, lead times and technical constraints.
Using the directory effectively
Treat the listings as a research tool rather than a vetted shortlist. Inclusion in the directory does not confirm current availability, active pricing structures, quality certifications or any form of endorsement by this site. Operational status can change, so direct verification remains essential before committing funds or timelines.
When contacting a listed fabricator, prepare a clear brief outlining your materials, dimensions, tolerances and deadlines. Request samples or arrange a studio visit where feasible. Comparing multiple entries within the same category helps establish realistic expectations for cost and turnaround time.
For structured advice on evaluating quotes, assessing workshop capabilities and managing production relationships, consult our worksheet on choosing a production partner. That guide complements the discovery phase by offering a framework for due diligence once you have identified potential collaborators.
Access the platform
To search the full index of manufacturers and suppliers, visit the official regional page directly. All enquiries, negotiations and agreements take place independently between the creative practitioner and the workshop.
Browse additional useful creative spaces in the UAE for studio access, equipment hire and peer networks that may support your broader practice.