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The National
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Emirati artists to reflect on heritage in the second Dhai Dubai light art festival
Seven Emirati artists from across three generations will take part in the second Dhai Dubai. The light art festival will return to Expo City Dubai, taking place at Al Wasl Plaza from November 12 to 18. The event, which provides Emirati artists a platform to reinterpret their heritage through bold, light-based artworks, is the result of a partnership between Expo City Dubai and Dubai Culture. Fatma Lootah, Mohammed Kazem, Khalid AlBanna, Alia Bin Omair, AlZaina Lootah, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and Hessa Alghandi are the artists who have been commissioned to create new works for the festival. Building upon last year's inaugural event, the second Dhai Dubai will also feature artist talks and public dialogues at the House of Arts, a new venue at Expo City Dubai dedicated to cultural expression. 'Dhai Dubai, through its varied experiences and interactive programming, reflects the depth of our partnership with Expo City Dubai,' said Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, chief executive of the arts, design and literature sector at Dubai Culture. '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.' Al Suwaidi also added that the event demonstrates 'the forward-thinking approach of Emirati talent, whose work keeps pace with global trends in contemporary art". Amna Abulhoul, co-curator of Dhai Dubai and executive creative director of entertainment and experiences at Expo City Dubai, said the light art festival is 'is the spirit of Dubai made visible". The event, she said, shows how the emirate is '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,' Abulhoul said. '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.'
Time Out Dubai
13 hours 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
What's On
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dhai Dubai: Stunning light art exhibition returns this November
Expo City Dubai and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority have teamed up to put together the second edition of Dhai Dubai, a beautiful art exhibition under the stars at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza. The light art exhibition drew in the crowds last year and is returning for a second edition this winter from November 12 to 18. Dhai Dubai is a celebration of light, legacy, and limitless creativity, and similar to last year, it shines a spotlight on Emirati artists. The exhibition is a flagship initiative of Expo City Dubai, and is a platform that allows Emirati artists to showcase their heritage through bold, contemporary works of art. A nd everyone is invited to come and discover just how tradition shapes and inspires modern art in Dubai. For the second edition, we can expect to be amazed by new commissions by 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 sculpture goes beyond just a piece of art, so it goes way beyond the Instagrammable aspect. It acts as a window allowing viewers to explore how light can bring up spiritual, emotional, and artistic resonance within Emirati culture. *Artist spotlight: UAE photographer, Alia Sultan Aljoker* Additionally, this year is expanding the art exhibition to include a p owerful series of artist talks and public dialogues at House of Arts. House of Arts is Expo City's newest cultural venue dedicated to regional art and expression. Not only will you walk out with a wealth of knowledge, but you will also meet and come together with other artists across the region. If you missed the first edition, take a look at video below Speaking on the Dhai Dubai announcement, Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture stated that the exhibition is an 'important moment on our annual calendar.' She added, '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.' Amna Abulhoul , co-curator of Dhai Dubai and Executive Creative Director of Entertainment and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, also added, ' Dhai Dubai is the spirit of Dubai made visible: a place where past and future intertwine together in brilliance, where art becomes a bridge, and where artistic dreams are given space and light to grow.' She added, '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.' We can't wait to visit! More information will be available soon on Images: Expo City Dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
