Latest news with #DubaiCultureandArtsAuthority
Al Etihad
15 hours 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.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 begins in Dubai
The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 commenced on Wednesday in Dubai, marking the concluding day of the Arab Media Summit 2025. The event attracts a wide audience of decision-makers, content creators and digital media professionals. Recognised as the region's leading event for social media influencers, the summit aims to spotlight the talents and expertise of Arab influencers across diverse digital platforms. The agenda for the final day of the Arab Media Summit features approximately 45 events, including media dialogues, workshops, keynote addresses and panel discussions. Among the highlights is a keynote address by Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, exploring the theme of: 'Media's Role in the Age of Algorithms'. Summit discussions shed light on the realities of social media platforms, highlighting inspiring success stories of how ideas have evolved from passion to global outreach and from ambition to entrepreneurial ventures. The Dubai Press Club will host the Arab Social Media Influencers Award ceremony, an initiative honouring individuals who have effectively used digital media tools to positively impact their communities. WAM
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Dubai
The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 opened today in Dubai, drawing top content creators, decision-makers, and digital media professionals for a powerful close to the Arab Media Summit 2025. Recognised as the region's premier gathering for social media influencers, the summit highlights the evolving role of digital creators and the growing impact of Arab voices across online platforms. This year's final-day agenda features around 45 events, including panel discussions, workshops, keynote speeches, and media dialogues. One of the summit's key moments was a keynote by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Her address focused on 'Media's Role in the Age of Algorithms', offering insights into the intersection of culture, content, and technology. Throughout the day, sessions spotlighted the transformative power of digital media—sharing stories of how influencers have turned passion projects into global brands and community-focused ventures. The summit also hosted the Arab Social Media Influencers Award ceremony, led by the Dubai Press Club. The initiative celebrates individuals who have used digital platforms to drive meaningful social impact across the Arab world. As the Arab Media Summit concludes, the Influencers Summit underscores Dubai's growing role as a hub for media innovation and creative talent in the digital age. News Source: Emirates News Agency
CairoScene
22-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Arab Media Summit 2025 to Be Held at Dubai World Trade Centre
Taking place from May 26th to the 28th, the Arab Media Summit 2025 will host over 6,000 delegates, from ministers to creators, to address public media, technology, and cross-sector collaboration. May 22, 2025 Arab Media Summit 2025 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 26th to the 28th, bringing together more than 6,000 regional and international delegates to discuss the evolving role of media in a rapidly shifting geopolitical and technological landscape. Organised by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit will gather ministers, executives, journalists, and digital creators to explore new approaches to public communication, AI-driven media ecosystems, and youth engagement. The agenda includes participation from high-level figures such as Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr. Ahmed El Tayeb, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will deliver a keynote speech on the intersection of culture, algorithms, and communication. A key ministerial panel will bring together Arab Ministers of Information including Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi (Kuwait), Dr. Ramzan Al Noaimi (Bahrain), Paul Morcos (Lebanon), Ahmed Al-Muslimani (Egypt), and Abdullah Al Hamed (UAE) to discuss the future of state-funded media and public-private collaboration across the region. Other highlights include a session with UAE Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Dr. Anwar Gargash on social media and governance, and an appearance by British broadcaster Piers Morgan. The summit will also feature a number of affiliated events such as the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Youth Media Forum, and awards ceremonies including Ibda'a and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE's architectural vision displayed at Osaka Expo
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has wrapped up the 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition' symposium, held at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, in Japan. Organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme, an initiative under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, the event is part of the Authority's broader mission to strengthen the cultural and creative sector, and enhance the country's global appeal. Aligned with the UAE Pavilion's theme, 'From Earth to Ether,' which sets out the UAE's vision for humanity's future, the first-of-its-kind curated symposium explored architecture in the UAE, focusing on local design practices, material innovation, and regional exchange between the UAE, Japan and other nations. Discussions also addressed the significance of traditional knowledge in shaping the urban landscape, with particular emphasis on Arish structures and context-sensitive solutions. In her opening remarks, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, described the UAE Pavilion as a powerful reflection of the country's ambition and enduring commitment to heritage as a driver of innovation. She noted how this spirit comes to life through the pavilion's layout, which integrates local practices, such as using arish (palm fronds), into a contemporary setting. She said: 'By organising the symposium at Expo 2025, our goal was to highlight Emirati cultural identity and demonstrate Dubai's vibrant and supportive ecosystem for the cultural and creative industries and emerging entrepreneurs. The event also elevated local talent globally by spotlighting their ideas and ambitious visions that advance the design and architecture sector forward.' Badri added: 'At Dubai Culture, we spare no efforts to build bridges with other communities, expanding opportunities for global cultural exchange and supporting artists, designers, and business owners with resources to live, work, create and thrive. We are proud to have organised the symposium in Japan, a country whose creative legacy has shaped international practice and exemplifies sustainability, resilience, and cultural depth.' Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, underscored the objectives of the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme and its impact in nurturing the arts ecosystem. She noted that more than Dhs180 million in grants will be provided over a 10-year period, supporting disciplines ranging from visual and fine arts to museology. The symposium was curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective and Co-founder of MamarLab, and Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI and Co-founder of MamarLab. It featured ten talks and panels, spanning heritage, sustainability, and design. Notable sessions included 'Cultural Convergence: The Impact of Japanese Architecture on Gulf Regional Identity,' exploring ARCHIDENTITY's research on the evolution of Japanese modernism from the 1940s to the 1970s and its influence on Middle Eastern aesthetics. 'Connecting Threads: Modern Heritage's Connection to the Vernacular and Contemporary,' examined how modern buildings in the UAE draw inspiration from vernacular traditions. The session, 'Shaping a Practice: Challenges & Opportunities in Architectural Enterprises,' shed light on the UAE's dynamic landscape and the strategies deployed by architects to establish and sustain resilient design studios amidst market pressures, evolving urban agendas, and increasing client expectations. 'Harnessing a Site: How to Navigate through Constructing in a Site-sensitive Context' offered insights into how architectural practice can be enriched by grounding aesthetics in contextual analysis, material discipline, and cultural and environmental narratives. Meanwhile, 'UAE Design Education: Pedagogies in Design Learning' explored how initiatives, such as LIMASS, led by Lina Ahmad and Marco Sosa at Zayed University, are reshaping sustainability using traditional systems and locally sourced resources. The symposium also included the session 'East-To-East: Japanese Architecture in Emirati Contexts,' which positioned architecture as a medium for cultural synergy, bringing together the works of Takehashi Muruyama with those of Emirati architects Ahmed Bukhash and Ahmed Al Ali to reflect on how Japanese principles influence projects in the UAE. 'From Arish to Villas' traced the transformation of housing in the UAE, from palm-frond arish homes to modern villas, illustrating how shifts in cultural values, materials used, and environmental adaptation have changed the way people build. The session 'Falaj: Of Water Comes Life' highlighted the ingenious design and community-based management of the aflaj irrigation systems, positioning them as environmentally friendly solutions that have supported agriculture and settlement across the region for centuries.
