Latest news with #DubaiCulture
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Dubai wins bid to host "2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art"
30 May 2025 19:46 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Dubai has won the bid to host and organise the "2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA)," a landmark achievement that reinforces the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The announcement was made following this year's symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, and reflects the concerted efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, to champion the emirate's bid by showcasing its vibrant cultural landscape, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment for creative Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the emirate's selection as host of ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence on the global art stage and steadfast commitment to shaping the future of culture through innovation. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said: 'Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology." "This achievement reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering belief in innovation and human potential has transformed Dubai into a thriving cultural capital and a beacon for talent, excellence, and possibility,' Her Highness Highness noted that the symposium reinforces Dubai's strategic direction in advancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. 'ISEA is a global platform that empowers artists and technologists to imagine new frontiers. Her Highness further said: "It aligns with our digital arts strategy — opening doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and nurturing future-ready creatives — while connecting global minds, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai and sharing a space where imagination meets invention and the future of art is designed collectively.'Established in 1988 in the Netherlands and currently overseen by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is one of the world's foremost gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona, ISEA annually brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's digital arts strategy, which aims to empower talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate education and training in this rapidly evolving field. ZU Partners to Organise the Event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University (ZU), will be held from April 10-17, 2026 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature a series of workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across Dubai's key cultural sites and landmarks. The event is expected to attract between 200 and 500 international participants and a wide audience interested in digital Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai's inspirational spirit and agile ecosystem continue to attract exceptional talent, forward-thinking investors, and creative entrepreneurs, offering them world-class infrastructure and unique incentives that mirror the richness of the city's cultural landscape. She said: 'Dubai's win to host ISEA 2026 reflects the vision of our leadership to position the city as a global hub for talent and a frontrunner in the creative economy; this milestone underscores our commitment to advancing the digital arts sector, empowering emerging talent, and inspiring them to connect, collaborate, and create. 'Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai's creative identity. ISEA will invigorate the city's artistic momentum, foster meaningful knowledge exchange, and spark new conversations around how digital arts shape our understanding of place, identity, and community.'The event will provide artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists with a platform to exchange ideas and visions, craft a global agenda that introduces new artistic expression methods, ignite innovation, and encourage participants to showcase their creativity to the public, supporting technological sustainability and the cultural and creative industries in Dubai. Main Themes Discussions during the symposium will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, which explores concepts of place and identity in the digital age and how we reshape our understanding of geography, identity, and community in a multidimensional world; Celestial Dialogues, which delves into how artistic and technological practices can foster intercultural dialogue and shared cross-cultural experiences; Eco-Tech Futures, examining the role of electronic art in addressing environmental issues and how digital tools can inspire sustainable futures; and Starlinked Worlds, which investigates the evolving relationship between technology and human experience and the ethical, philosophical, and speculative implications of future Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University (ZU), said: 'We're immensely proud to partner with Dubai Culture in hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, a landmark event that underscores Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation." Prof. Allen added, "We are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where global artists, innovators, and scholars can converge to explore the transformative potential of digital arts. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of creative leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping a future where art and technology inspire sustainable progress and cultural dialogue.' The theme of the symposium is inspired by 'ELYAH,' one of the most prominent stars in the Arab region's sky, also known as the 'North Star,' which for centuries served as a beacon for travellers and storytellers alike, guiding navigation across land and sea. It was chosen to represent the event to explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with AI and present a future-facing vision for the digital arts sector.
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai wins bid to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art
Latifa bint Mohammed: Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future 'Hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology' Each year, ISEA brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art Dubai has won the bid to host and organise the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), a landmark achievement that reinforces the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The announcement was made at the conclusion of this year's symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, and reflects the concerted efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, to champion the emirate's bid by showcasing its vibrant cultural landscape, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment for creative innovation. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the emirate's selection as host of ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence on the global art stage and steadfast commitment to shaping the future of culture through innovation. 'Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology. This achievement reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering belief in innovation and human potential has transformed Dubai into a thriving cultural capital and a beacon for talent, excellence, and possibility,' she said. Her Highness noted that the symposium reinforces Dubai's strategic direction in advancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. 'ISEA is a global platform that empowers artists and technologists to imagine new frontiers. It aligns with our digital arts strategy — opening doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and nurturing future-ready creatives — while connecting global minds, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai and sharing a space where imagination meets invention and the future of art is designed collectively,' she said. Established in 1988 in the Netherlands and currently overseen by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is one of the world's foremost gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona, ISEA annually brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's digital arts strategy, which aims to empower talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate education and training in this rapidly evolving field. Zayed University to partner in organising event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University, will be held from 10 to 17 April 2026 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature a series of workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across Dubai's key cultural sites and landmarks. The event is expected to attract between 200 and 500 international participants and a wide audience interested in digital arts. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai's inspirational spirit and agile ecosystem continue to attract exceptional talent, forward-thinking investors, and creative entrepreneurs, offering them world-class infrastructure and unique incentives that mirror the richness of the city's cultural landscape. She said: 'Dubai's win to host ISEA 2026 reflects the vision of our leadership to position the city as a global hub for talent and a frontrunner in the creative economy; this milestone underscores our commitment to advancing the digital arts sector, empowering emerging talent, and inspiring them to connect, collaborate, and create. 'Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai's creative identity. ISEA will invigorate the city's artistic momentum, foster meaningful knowledge exchange, and spark new conversations around how digital arts shape our understanding of place, identity, and community.' The event will provide artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists with a platform to exchange ideas and visions, craft a global agenda that introduces new artistic expression methods, ignite innovation, and encourage participants to showcase their creativity to the public, supporting technological sustainability and the cultural and creative industries in Dubai. Main themes Discussions during the symposium will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, which explores concepts of place and identity in the digital age and how we reshape our understanding of geography, identity, and community in a multidimensional world; Celestial Dialogues, which delves into how artistic and technological practices can foster intercultural dialogue and shared cross-cultural experiences; Eco-Tech Futures, examining the role of electronic art in addressing environmental issues and how digital tools can inspire sustainable futures; and Starlinked Worlds, which investigates the evolving relationship between technology and human experience and the ethical, philosophical, and speculative implications of future technologies. Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, said: 'We're immensely proud to partner with Dubai Culture in hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, a landmark event that underscores Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation. We are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where global artists, innovators, and scholars can converge to explore the transformative potential of digital arts. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of creative leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping a future where art and technology inspire sustainable progress and cultural dialogue.' The theme of the symposium is inspired by 'ELYAH,' one of the most prominent stars in the Arab region's sky, also known as the 'North Star,' which for centuries served as a beacon for travellers and storytellers alike, guiding navigation across land and sea. It was chosen to represent the event to explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with AI and present a future-facing vision for the digital arts sector. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Al Bawaba
Dubai Culture Welcomes Summer with 18 Creative and Enriching ‘School of Life' Sessions
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is launching a fresh season of community workshops through its 'School of Life' project, part of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Under the theme 'Hello Summer', 18 interactive sessions will be held in June across the programme's Impact Track and creative clubs. These activities invite Dubai Public Library visitors to develop new skills and enjoy a vibrant calendar of summer month, Al Mankhool Public Library will host the Japanese Kakigori workshop, where attendees can learn how to prepare kakigōri, the soft Japanese shaved ice dessert, using seasonal flavours and homemade syrups. This hands-on experience also offers a window into Japanese culture, making it a memorable summer treat. As part of the Calligraphy Club, the library will feature the 'Baybayin Calligraphy on Shell' class, led by Gino Banola, who will introduce Filipino heritage and the art of painting on shells using the ancient Baybayin script. Meanwhile, Hatta Public Library will present a 'Fruit Carving Workshop' with Nada Saeed Kattan, under the Health & Nutrition Club, teaching participants how to transform fruit into playful shapes and edible works of Safa Art & Design Library will host Art Club activities for adults and children. In 'From Idea to Creation: An Artistic Journey in Colour', Benedicte Gimonnet guides learners through the process of starting an art project, including how to select colours that capture their vision. In 'Painting on Tote Bags,' Abeer Al Edani helps attendees turn personal memories into unique keepsakes by decorating tote bags. Medaf Creative Studio will offer two sessions for kids: one focused on designing their own fishbowls, and another on painting with gold leaves. The Book Club's 'Travelling Memoirs' will invite visitors to explore how journeys, whether real or imagined, can serve as a means of escape, self-discovery, and personal transformation through a discussion of travel memoirs, road trip fiction, and stories of change. As part of the Impact Track's Calligraphy Club, Mohammad Altamimi will lead Ruq'ah classes, focusing on mastering Arabic letter formation using traditional tools, covering characters such as Meem (م), Ya (ي), Hamzah (ء), Ayn (ع), and Haa (ح). The Photography Club wraps up the month with practical training on presenting images professionally and building confidence in sharing work, culminating in a public exhibition of participants' photographs.
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed: We need media that leads the content industry with cultural depth
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the Arab Media Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This year's edition, , organised by the Dubai Press Club, held from 26 to 28 May, convened a distinguished gathering of prominent ministers, industry leaders, content creators, and influencers from across the UAE and the Arab world. During the event, Her Highness delivered a powerful keynote speech under the theme 'The Role of Media in the Age of Algorithms.' In her address, Her Highness underscored that we are navigating a critical juncture—where media intersects with digital transformation, where the rules of communication and influence are being redefined, and where the roles of institutions and individuals are undergoing rapid shifts. She stressed the importance of pausing to reflect on urgent questions: What kind of media do we want? What defines true influence? And how can we protect our societies from digital disorder without isolating them from innovation? Her Highness affirmed that algorithms and artificial intelligence are tools of our own making, powerful yet controllable: 'Algorithms and artificial intelligence are tools we have created whose keys remain in our hands. It is we who breathe life into them, define their purpose, and shape their outcomes.' She went on to describe the evolving nature of our world, no longer defined by borders or geography but shaped by algorithms that determine our exposure to content and connection to communities. In this digital era, identity is increasingly anchored in ideas, affiliations, and shared values rather than location or nationality. These emerging digital communities have become spaces for dialogue, expression, and influence, offering people visibility and belonging, especially those previously marginalised by mainstream narratives. Her Highness remarked that we have moved beyond the age of centralised media into an era of decentralised content, where every individual can become a media outlet in their own right. With countless sources and fragmented facts, the responsibility of media has expanded—and so must our standards of trust and integrity. A Parallel Reality Her Highness further highlighted that digital communities have evolved into a parallel reality, shaping identities, relationships, and decisions in ways that often rival, or even surpass, our physical environments. She shared compelling statistics to illustrate this shift: with the global population expected to exceed 8 billion in 2025, over 5 billion are now active social media users, representing nearly 65% of humanity. In the last year alone, 241 million new users joined, at a rate of roughly 660,000 per day. These numbers, she noted, reflect more than just growth; they signal a profound transformation in how we experience the world. Through vivid examples, Her Highness described this new global connectivity: a young anime fan in the UAE finds a connection with peers in Tokyo. A teenager in the Netherlands feels closest to a football star in Brazil. A student in Britain shares his story of overcoming bullying, and his voice resonates from Egypt to Lebanon, Australia to Jordan, all connected through a global network that transcends borders and continents, discovering in this new form of belonging a sense of connection that often feels deeper, and perhaps even more authentic, than their ties to the physical places they call home. Her Highness concluded this section by affirming that digital communities are not merely gatherings but evolving cultures and ecosystems reshaping communication, loyalty, and identity. She said in this regard: 'I speak to you today as a participant in this evolving landscape. In Dubai, we've long believed in the power of storytelling and the necessity of cultural dialogue, and now, as we navigate this digital frontier, I see our youth building bridges across continents. A young anime fan in the UAE finds a connection with peers in Tokyo. A teenager in the Netherlands feels closest to a football star in Brazil. A student in Britain shares his story of overcoming bullying, and his voice resonates from Egypt to Lebanon, Australia to Jordan, all connected through a global network that transcends borders and continents, discovering in this new form of belonging a sense of connection that often feels deeper, and perhaps even more authentic, than their ties to the physical places they call home.' Her Highness noted that today's influencers have played a significant role in shaping public awareness and have become part of the cultural memory of our time. Their ability to reach audiences swiftly and directly has positioned them as new voices of influence that increasingly compete with traditional media in guiding public opinion, shaping behaviours, and setting social trends. Media and Digital Communities Against this backdrop of rapid transformation, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called for a reexamination of the media's evolving role and its relationship with the public. 'How can the media meaningfully engage with the millions of digital communities emerging across platforms? And how can it understand, communicate with, and reflect the new identities shaped by algorithms?' she asked. Her Highness emphasised that the media must remain anchored in its core responsibility as a guide and trusted source even amid technological disruption. She underscored the ethical and professional imperative to verify information, counter misinformation, and offer content that is credible, inclusive, and rooted in truth. Her Highness addressed media institutions: 'The media need not compete with influencers in a race for trends. Its true role lies in creating meaning, rebuilding trust, and offering a deeper human story in a way that would rise above the tide of fleeting, fast-paced content to leave a lasting impact.' She emphasised the importance of the media embracing the digital era while remaining anchored in the authenticity of its values. The media must go beyond reporting — it must interpret facts, translate ideas, and promote understanding rooted in shared human values, not deepen divisions. In doing so, it can reclaim its place as a conscious and responsible narrator—one defined by integrity, authenticity, and openness. Her Highness also urged the public to view digital communities not as threats but as opportunities to build bridges, foster dialogue, and create meaningful, value-driven content. She stressed that in today's world, we urgently need to spread messages of hope, goodness, and optimism. 'This is the true calling of the media,' she said, 'to serve as a source of inspiration, a voice of hope, and a light that guides us towards a brighter, more compassionate, and promising future.' She addressed the influencers: 'You are not simply entertainers or trendsetters. You are storytellers of your generation. You are shaping the tone of public discourse, the values we promote, and the ideas we carry forward. Use that power with intention. Let your content uplift, inform, and inspire. And know that we the media need not compete with influencers in a race for trends. Its true role lies in creating meaning, rebuilding trust, and offering a deeper human story in a way that would rise above the tide of fleeting, fast-paced content to leave a lasting impact.' A New Media Discourse Her Highness called on media institutions, influencers, and opinion leaders to come together to shape a new media discourse grounded in responsibility, guided by awareness, and anchored in ethical and professional standards. In her closing remarks, Her Highness emphasised that digital communities are a natural extension of human connection born from a universal need to build bonds, exchange ideas, and engage meaningfully. She called on all participants to build on the momentum of this summit and strive for more ambitious, far-reaching goals: to invest in social media as a force for good and to cultivate positive, engaged communities, both physical and virtual, that transcend borders and bring us closer to our shared human aspirations. As a step toward this vision, Her Highness launched a new hashtag during the session —#YourContentYourImpact — as a collective call to leave a meaningful digital footprint that reflects our values, amplifies our impact, and honours the spirit of this gathering. She said, 'This hashtag is more than a digital symbol; it is a thread that connects us wherever we are. It reflects our awareness, our values, and the principles we hold dear. It captures our collective aspiration to create and share content that uplifts, inspires, and leaves a meaningful mark. And finally, it is a call to pause, reflect, and take responsibility before we publish.' Her Highness pointed out that #YourContentYourImpact' is not just a hashtag or a slogan but rather a message to all of us to examine ourselves before publishing any content and a pledge to harness our voices and digital presence to bring about change and positive impact in our lives and communities, to be beacons of goodness and hope for all.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed meets with Lebanon's Ministers of Culture, Information at Arab Media Summit
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, met with Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of Lebanon, and Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information, on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Summit is organised by the Dubai Press Club and runs through 28th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Lebanon and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage preservation, the arts, and media. Discussions explored potential areas of partnership to support talent development and creative industries, focusing on empowering future generations and safeguarding the region's rich cultural legacy. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue in building bridges between societies and championing diversity as a pillar for sustainable development across the Arab world. The meeting was attended by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit; and Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award, and Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
