Dhai Dubai by Dubai Culture and Expo City spotlights Emirati artists

Gulf Today

9 hours ago

In November, Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) will join forces at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza to present the second edition of Dhai Dubai, the first Emirati-led light art exhibition (Nov. 12 – 18). Co-curated by Anthony Bastic, CEO and Creative Director of AGB Creative, it is a celebration of legacy through light and creativity as Dhai Dubai reimagines the traditional exhibition as a dynamic cultural movement. A flagship initiative of Expo City Dubai, the event is a pioneering platform for Emirati artists to showcase their heritage through contemporary art.
This year's edition invites the community and international guests to discover how tradition continues to shape and inspire modern art in Dubai. Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, Dhai Dubai 2025 returns with seven brand-new commissions by a constellation of 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 of their works serve as luminous portals into the evolving language of light, exploring its spiritual, emotional, and artistic resonance in Emirati culture.
Dhai Dubai also expands its creative mandate with a series of artist talks and public dialogues hosted at House of Arts, Expo City, Dubai's newest cultural venue dedicated to regional art and expression. More than just a space, House of Arts is a vibrant home for creation and connection, uniting artists and art dreamers from across the Arabian Gulf, through bold programming and forward-thinking support systems, more details of which will be announced in October.
House of Arts, Expo City Dubai.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, underlining the Authority's commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich the city's creative scene, said that 'Dhai Dubai, through its varied experiences and interactive programming, reflects the depth of our partnership with Expo City Dubai. It also highlights our ongoing efforts to boost cultural tourism and support the cultural and creative industries by encouraging artists to present works that embody the values and spirit of the emirate.'
She added: 'This exhibition marks an important moment on our annual calendar, advancing the Public Art Strategy and fostering dialogue between artists and different communities. It invites visitors to explore the role of art in connecting people, discover the creatives shaping our public spaces, and experience how the city's diversity is brought to life through innovative installations. In doing so, Dhai Dubai demonstrates the forward-thinking approach of Emirati talent, whose work keeps pace with global trends in contemporary art.'
Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai join forces for Dhai Dubai.
Amna Abulhoul, Co-Curator of Dhai Dubai and Executive Creative Director of Entertainment and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, said: 'This partnership is a celebration of shared purpose, a deep-rooted belief in the power of culture to elevate, connect, and transform. 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.'
The partnership between Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture reflects their shared vision, honouring the past, while shaping the future. Together, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to empowering artists, nurturing the creative economy, and positioning the emirate as a global capital for the arts. Dhai Dubai will celebrate the spirit and culture of Dubai and the UAE. Its diverse array of talks and workshops aims to create a deeper understanding of the artistry and cultural significance behind each artwork. The dual presentation of art and talks offers a holistic showcase of Emirati artistic talent, while providing a memorable experience for visitors from around the world.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi.
Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem.
Khalid AlBanna is an Emirati artist.
Anthony Bastic.
An inclusive innovation-driven, people-centric city of the future and one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Expo City Dubai is committed to maximising its positive social, environmental and economic impact. It has been designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living, and its roadmap strives to achieve net zero by 2050. Its broader decarbonisation targets raise the bar on responsible urban development. Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings and a go-to destination for globally significant events, it celebrates human creativity and ingenuity, with inspirational programmes.
Dubai Culture, under the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is committed to enriching Dubai's cultural scene based on the UAE's heritage, and is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai Culture is keen on reviving and preserving the emirate's historical heritage and developing the regulatory frameworks for the cultural and creative sector in line with its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025. It manages five heritage sites, five museums, the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, 17 archaeological sites and nine Dubai Public Library branches. Dubai Culture also offers 8 services and 26 sub-services.