Dhai Dubai light festival to return this year
Dhai Dubai, an Emirati-led light art exhibition, will light up the stunning Al Wasl Plaza between Wednesday November 12 and Tuesday November 18.
The festival is a celebration of light, legacy and creativity and takes advantage of the state-of-the-art immersive dome at Al Wasl Plaza.
This year's festival will shine a light on how tradition continues to shape and inspire modern art in Dubai.
Expo City Dubai and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will present the second edition of 'Dhai Dubai', the first Emirati-led light art exhibition, from 12 to 18 November at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai. This flagship event celebrates light, heritage, and creativity,… pic.twitter.com/PepkC0r1gu
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2025
The festival is a partnership between Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture and aims to empower artists and position the emirate as a global capital for the arts.
There will be seven brand-new commissions by top Emirati artists across three generations, including Fatma Lootah, Mohammed Kazem, Khalid AlBanna, Alia Bin Omair, AlZaina Lootah, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Hessa Alghandi.
Each light sculpture will aim to explore its spiritual, emotional, and artistic resonance within Emirati culture.
In addition to fancy new commissions, there will be artist talks and public dialogues hosted at House of Arts, which aim to inspire creativity.
Dhabia Juma Lamlah from the 2024 event (Credit: Supplied) The Scent of Memories at the 2024 Dhai Dubai festival (Credit: Supplied)
Amna Abulhoul, Co-Curator of Dhai Dubai and Executive Creative Director of Entertainment and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, said the festival will demonstrate the spirit of Dubai.
She said: 'Dhai Dubai is the spirit of Dubai made visible: a place where past and future interwind together in brilliance, where art becomes a bridge, and where artistic dreams are given space and light to grow.
'Having the support of Dubai Culture is both a privilege and a powerful affirmation of our collective commitment to the creative community.
'It reinforces our mission to empower artists, preserve our stories, and ensure that platforms like Dhai Dubai continue to thrive and inspire.
'Through the voices and visions of our artists, we are not only illuminating Emirati identity but also offering the world a window into the soul of a nation.'
Free. Wed Nov 12 – Tue Nov 18. Wasl Square, Expo Road Dubai South, Jebel Ali. Directions at expocitydubai.com (04 555 2030).
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