A Living Canvas in the Heart of Old Dubai
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has officially opened the 14th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival, transforming the historic lanes of Al Shindagha Historic Neighborhood into a vibrant, immersive cultural destination. One of the UAE’s most anticipated creative events, the festival reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic talent and building a sustainable creative economy rooted in heritage yet driven by innovation.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the festival stands as a cornerstone of the emirate’s cultural calendar. It celebrates Emirati, UAE-based, and Gulf creatives while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for art, design, and creative dialogue.
Running from January 23 to February 1, the festival brings together more than 450 artists and creatives, showcasing approximately 250 artworks across 16 curated houses. These spaces span a wide range of disciplines, from visual arts and design to technology, ceramics, photography, culinary arts, and urban practice.
Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future
At the heart of Sikka’s 14th edition is the theme Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future. The concept invites artists to explore how Dubai’s evolving social fabric, architecture, and cultural narratives shape future identities. Installations, sculptures, murals, and interactive works throughout the neighborhood encourage visitors to reflect on belonging, transformation, and creative continuity.
Aligned with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, the festival supports the development of a vibrant cultural ecosystem and contributes directly to the growth of the creative economy. By embedding art within a historic setting, Sikka creates meaningful dialogue between past, present, and future, allowing creativity to emerge organically within the city’s oldest districts.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture and Festival Director, highlighted that the festival reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the arts ecosystem. She noted that Sikka has evolved into a leading platform for contemporary creative practice, empowering artists to present their work, exchange knowledge, and engage with regional and international peers.
Curated Houses, Diverse Voices
One of the defining features of the Sikka Art and Design Festival is its house-based curatorial structure. Each house represents a distinct creative discipline, guided by experienced curators who bring depth and cohesion to the program.
Mozah Lootah oversees the Public Art House and Visual Arts House, while Esra Ozkan leads the Art and Technology House. Kamal Al Zoubi curates the Ceramics House, and Ahlam AlBannai manages the Photography House. The Design House is curated by Saeed Alketbi and Majeda Alawadhi, the Khaleeji House by Yara Ayoob, and the Urban House by Ahmed Makary.
The Academic House is led by Alanood Bukhammas and Zena Adhami, while the Culinary House is curated by Noura Al Falahi. The International House, dedicated this year to Japan, is overseen by Kotaro Watanabe of Takram. Together, this diverse curatorial team ensures a wide spectrum of artistic perspectives and practices, offering visitors a layered and engaging experience.
Public Art and Citywide Engagement
As part of Dubai Art Season, Sikka 14 unveiled 11 new murals created by a selected group of artists. These works align with Dubai Culture’s Public Art Strategy, which aims to enhance the city’s visual identity and integrate art into everyday urban life.
The festival also features seven interactive public artworks and six large-scale installations, reinforcing the diversity and dynamism of the UAE’s contemporary art scene. Spread across the neighborhood, these works invite participation, exploration, and conversation, turning public space into an open-air gallery.
Learning, Workshops, and Creative Exchange
Education and engagement are central to the Sikka experience. This year’s edition offers more than 500 workshops delivered by the Sikka Platform, the Al Shindagha Museum, and the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. These sessions cover ceramics, visual arts, theatre, design, and emerging creative practices, catering to all ages and skill levels.
In addition, the festival hosts over 30 panel discussions and talks addressing global trends in the arts sector. These conversations provide valuable insight into contemporary practice, creative entrepreneurship, and the future of cultural production in the region.
Music, Performance, and Heritage
The main stage along Dubai Creek comes alive with approximately 55 live music performances, including 10 orchestral concerts, choirs, and curated musical showcases. These performances add rhythm and energy to the festival atmosphere, creating moments of collective celebration against the backdrop of the historic waterfront.
Twenty-one heritage and cultural museums also participate, offering visitors deeper insight into the UAE’s cultural legacy and reinforcing the festival’s connection to place and memory.
Culinary Arts and Creative Commerce
Beyond visual and performing arts, Sikka 14 offers a rich culinary and retail experience. Visitors can explore offerings from more than 41 food and beverage vendors, alongside 45 local retail outlets developed in collaboration with homegrown brands. This dedicated retail zone provides creative entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase and sell products inspired by art, heritage, and design.
Nine curated supper clubs led by renowned chefs introduce an experiential dining element, blending gastronomy with storytelling and cultural exploration. These intimate experiences add another layer to the festival, where creativity extends from galleries into kitchens and communal tables.
Spotlight on Ceramics and Young Talent
At the Ceramics House in House 207, the program presents sculptures and works by leading Emirati artists and UAE residents, alongside early works by participants in the Young Emirati Potters Program. The space also hosts the Pottery Market, showcasing pieces by ceramic studios, independent artists, and People of Determination who have taken part in the Centre’s ceramics initiatives.
For younger audiences, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children introduces the Safina Stage, hosting hands-on workshops and the Future Stars competition. Designed to discover and nurture talent in acting, singing, musical performance, and expressive arts, the program creates an inclusive environment where learning and creativity intersect.
Throughout the festival, the Centre for Musical Arts presents live performances, while visitors are invited to participate in Circles Together, a collaborative mural shaped by community voices, stories, and creativity. This collective artwork stands as a symbol of Sikka’s spirit: inclusive, evolving, and deeply connected to the people it serves.
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