Latest news with #Emirati-led
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Dhai Dubai by Dubai Culture and Expo City spotlights Emirati artists
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.
Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Expo City Dubai & Dubai Culture Unite for Dhai Dubai 2025
Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture will present the second edition of Dhai Dubai, the first Emirati-led light art exhibition, from 12–18 November 2025 at Al Wasl Plaza. Featuring seven new commissions by Emirati artists across three generations, the event blends heritage and contemporary creativity through immersive light sculptures. This year's edition expands with artist talks and public dialogues at the new House of Arts, fostering cross-Gulf collaboration and advancing Dubai's Public Art Strategy. The initiative reflects a shared vision to empower artists, boost cultural tourism, and cement the emirate's role as a global capital for the arts. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dhai Dubai light festival to return this year
A spectacular, colourful light art festival is set to return to Dubai's Expo City later 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,… — 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 (04 555 2030). You might also like UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
ARN News Center
29-05-2025
- Business
- ARN News Center
'UAE Future 50' spotlights high-potential Emirati startups
The UAE has unveiled a major initiative spotlighting 50 promising Emirati startups shaping the future economy. 'UAE Future 50' was launched in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. It has been jointly developed by the Government Development and the Future Office along with the Ministry of Economy, The initiative highlights 50 Emirati-led startups operating in 15 future-focused sectors such as fintech, healthtech, space, cybersecurity, renewable energy and smart mobility. The goal is to accelerate innovation, diversify the national economy, and support a new generation of entrepreneurs driving progress across key industries. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the UAE's commitment to creating a supportive environment for startups and innovators, aligning with the country's We the UAE 2031 vision. He praised Emirati entrepreneurs for their role in building a globally competitive economy and called for more young people to embrace entrepreneurship. 'UAE Future 50' builds on the success of the earlier Future 100 initiative, continuing efforts to recognise high-impact ventures and celebrate national talent. Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative. The initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 28, 2025
Dubai Eye
29-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
'UAE Future 50' spotlights high-potential Emirati startups
The UAE has unveiled a major initiative spotlighting 50 promising Emirati startups shaping the future economy. 'UAE Future 50' was launched in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. It has been jointly developed by the Government Development and the Future Office along with the Ministry of Economy, The initiative highlights 50 Emirati-led startups operating in 15 future-focused sectors such as fintech, healthtech, space, cybersecurity, renewable energy and smart mobility. The goal is to accelerate innovation, diversify the national economy, and support a new generation of entrepreneurs driving progress across key industries. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the UAE's commitment to creating a supportive environment for startups and innovators, aligning with the country's We the UAE 2031 vision. He praised Emirati entrepreneurs for their role in building a globally competitive economy and called for more young people to embrace entrepreneurship. 'UAE Future 50' builds on the success of the earlier Future 100 initiative, continuing efforts to recognise high-impact ventures and celebrate national talent. Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative. The initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 28, 2025
