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The National
a day 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
a day 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
a day 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
What's On
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: March 10 to 13
So much to do… Looking out for some fun things to do in Dubai this week? There's a cool new foodie district to check out, a new food festival with plenty on the menu, and great ways to relax. Have a great week, and to everyone observing the Holy Month, Ramadan Kareem. Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, March 10 The coolest district on the block If you want to visit the most loved Ramadan market in Dubai, make a beeline to Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Curated by the M2L Concepts, the market blends tradition and heritage with modern fun and entertainment to celebrate this time of joy and togetherness. Expect a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and, of course, food. And don't forget, this Ramadan Market comes with those unforgettable Museum of the Future views. Ramadan District runs from March 8 to 23. Entry is free, but some activities may require a small fee. Read more here. Ramadan District, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza Terrace, Dubai, open from Mar 8 to 23, weekdays, 5pm to 12am, weekends, 5pm to 1am, free entry, Tel: (0)4 370 8909, @ Celebrate art Art lovers, this week there is a series of curated free public events that explore and celebrate art across Dubai. Hosted by Dubai Collection in partnership with Art Dubai, you will visit renowned UAE artists' studios, attend panel talks, and meet with the patrons whose rare and private art collections contribute to the Dubai Collection. There will be workshops for children, too. Some of the exclusive visits includes the studio of renowned Emirati-artist Mohammed Kazem; a tour of A.R.M. Holding Art Collection, one of the UAE's most forward-thinking corporate collections; a visit to the beautiful home of patrons Zina Khair and Majd Suleiman to view their private collection of work dating back to the 1970s. Want to attend? Find out more information, and register here. Various locations across Dubai with Dubai Collection, Tuesday, March 11 Street food festival Now in its third edition, the Ramadan Street Food Festival takes place from Thursday, March 6 to 23, offering plenty of delicious bites for you to enjoy. It takes place in a quaint but bustling little neighbourhood, Sheikh Hamdan Colony. When you visit, you will be spoilt for choice, with over 55 restaurants in the neighbourhood serving up special menus for the occasion. Expect to enjoy bites spanning savoury kebabs to sweet treats, spicy Asian delights, and more. You are sure to come across one of the city's finest hidden gems. Besides feeding your soul, you can enjoy live performances, roaming artists, games at the carnival zone, and art and culture workshops. Ramadan Street Food Festival, Karama Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Dubai, until March 23, @dubaieats Self care This International Women's Day, Hyde Dubai invites women to indulge in a well-deserved escape at Cinq Mondes Spa. Ladies can step into a haven of tranquility and relaxation and 'Cinq' into serenity with a soothing massage and revitalising facial. Enjoy 30 per cent off massages and facials and free pool day access, soaking up the sun and enjoying the iconic views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa whilst sipping on refreshing poolside beverages. Cinq Mondes Spa, Hyde Hotel Dubai, Business Bay, Wednesday 5 to Tuesday 11, from 12 pm to 9 pm, starting from Dhs560 per massage. Tel: +971 4 871 1111, @hydedubai Wednesday, March 12 Light up your Ramadan Love a free thing to do in Dubai? Charge up the camera (or your phone) and head to Al Seef in Old Dubai which offers amazing views of the Dubai Creek, traditional dhows, and old architecture. The neighbourhood has been designed to bring to life the traditional Emirati culture that underpins Dubai's iconic heritage – so it's a must-visit. Over Ramadan, it lights up with light installations and a nightly light show, which you can enjoy for free. You can also enjoy iftar and suhoor here and warm Ramadan tunes. Check the schedule here. Al Seef Dubai, near Al Hamriya, Dubai, until March 30, @alseefdubai Cup of tea? St Regis Downtown Dubai is presenting a special afternoon tea for ladies this March in collaboration with iconic porcelain brand Ginori 1735. On the tiers, there's duck tatlet, smoke chicken on quinoa rolls, and beef and truffle buns. For the sweet tooth, there's classic raspberry cheesecake, finger lychee cake, rhubarb mini tart, and more. Additionally, there is a sharing giant cookie flavoured with strawberry to share. St Regis Downtown Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, throughout March, Dhs210 coffee, tea and non-alcoholic bubbles, Dhs295 with bubbles, Tel: (0)4 512 5555. @stregisdowntowndubai Thursday, March 13 And stretch… SEVEN Wellness Club has teamed up with Verde Beach this March, offering new yoga and Pilates classes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Your yoga session here will blend expert-led yoga and Pilates with the serenity of the beachfront environment. Verde has also created a curated breakfast menu exclusively for the SEVEN Wellness community, so you can indulge in a thoughtfully designed post-class breakfast. Members can book through the SEVEN Wellness app, and non-members can download the app to receive a welcome credit that can be used towards the class. Seven Wellness Club x Verde Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, Tues, Thurs and Sun in March, Tel: (0)4 228 5053. @verdebeachdubai Break your fast Madinat Jumeirah transforms into a majestic Majlis this Ramadan. The buffet here is vast, featuring delicious dishes spanning mezze, mains featuring delicious Arabic mains, plus international dishes including sushi. At the dessert station, there's dates, knafeh, chocolate treats, and ice cream. The space is perfect for spending time with friends, family, or colleagues, offering up a traditional experience with light instrumental Arabic music. Madinat Jumeirah, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs330, Dhs165 children five to 11 years. Tel: (0)4 366 5500.
Web Release
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
ART DUBAI ANNOUNCES, PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2025 EDITION
Art Dubai today announces the first details of its programming and partnerships for the 2025 edition, reaffirming the fair's commitment to supporting and developing Dubai's cultural ecosystem. The 2025 edition of Art Dubai takes place at Madinat Jumeirah from 18 – 20 April, with invitation-only previews on 16 and 17 April. Since its foundation in 2007, Art Dubai has played an important institutional role in the growth of the local and regional cultural scenes, shaping and delivering high-impact cultural programming through long-term, year-round partnerships with institutions, business and government. Art Dubai's 2025 programme demonstrates the fair's commitment to providing significant commissioning opportunities for local and international artists; convening the world's brightest creative minds through innovative talks and conference programming; and supporting scholarship and professional development programmes to develop the region's future cultural leaders. Programme highlights for Art Dubai 2025 will include: A new series of performances and site-specific interventions by Mexican artist Héctor Zamora , marking the launch of a new multi-year co-commissioning partnership between Art Dubai and Alserkal Avenue A major new digital commission by leading Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem , presented by Julius Baer A series of experiential commissions and installations examining the transformation of nature through technology and human experience, including site-specific works by Ania Soliman and Total Arts at the Courtyard A series of new site-specific digital installations debuting at Art Dubai Digital, including by Ouchhh Studio, Breakfast, Jacopo Di Cera and Hybrid Xperience The first details of Art Dubai's flagship transdisciplinary summit, the Global Art Forum , entitled 'The New New Normal', commissioned by Shumon Basar, and curated by Y7 The second edition of Art Dubai's Digital Summit , entitled 'After the Technological Sublime' These initiatives are an important complement to Art Dubai's diverse gallery programme, which this year comprises more than 120 exhibitors, including dedicated sections curated by Magalí Arriola and Nada Shabout (Art Dubai Modern); Gonzalo Herrero Delicado (Art Dubai Digital); and Mirjam Varadinis (Bawwaba). Pablo del Val, Art Dubai's Artistic Director commented: 'For nearly two decades, Art Dubai has played two complementary roles, as the region's leading commercial art platform and as a unique institution that is rooted in and significantly contributes to the local cultural ecosystem. This year's programme continues this long-term approach, working in partnership with local institutions, business and government to create new opportunities for artists, and enhancing Dubai's reputation as a centre of innovation and thought leadership. We are proud to be a convener of the brightest minds and a meeting point for the diverse, global creative communities that we represent, those building the region's cultural infrastructure, and the increasing number of people who call Dubai home.' Art Dubai is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The fair is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. It is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Manager Julius Baer. Art Dubai's exclusive Watch and Jewellery partner is Piaget. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner of Art Dubai and Art Dubai Digital. Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai. Further details on Art Dubai's 2025 programme here View the list of Art Dubai 2025 participating galleries here EDUCATION A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme 2025 Artists Announced The A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme is the UAE's largest cultural education initiative, having reached more than 30,000 children since its launch in 2021. This year marks the 5th edition of the programme which will, for the first time, feature a collaboration between two artists: Peju Alatise, a widely recognised contemporary African artist who represented Nigeria at the 2017 Venice Biennale; and Alia Hussain Lootah, an Emirati artist, educator and co-founder of Medaf Studio in Dubai. Launching at Art Dubai before expanding in schools across all seven Emirates, their co-produced programme will celebrate local ecosystems, explore ecologies and question our interactions with our surroundings through different artistic lenses. It will also address the cultural significance of water in the UAE's landscapes, guiding children to examine our essential connection with this crucial resource and its creative applications in art. The programme is a cornerstone of A.R.M Holding's ongoing support for culture and education, empowering the next generation through innovative cultural initiatives. COMMISSIONS AND INSTALLATIONS Art Dubai Commissions This year's Art Dubai Commissions programme will explore transformation, liberation and the interplay between humanity and materials. Known for his site-specific interventions Mexican artist Héctor Zamora will present a new series of performances and site-specific interventions, including new sculptural pieces and performative group actions that involve performers interacting with terracotta objects. Each of the works is an exploration of symbolism through clay vessels, and the ritual dimension of the performances offer further reflection on human culture and social and natural dynamics. Performances at Art Dubai will be complemented by a site-specific installation by the artist at Alserkal Avenue. This marks the start of a new multi-year partnership between the two organisations, co-commissioning artists whose practices are rooted in performance. A series of digital artworks will debut at the fair, responding to Art Dubai Digital's theme 'After the Technological Sublime' and explore how human-made creations may inspire admiration of human achievement, but also provoke anxiety as these systems may surpass our control and divert attention from pressing environmental, social, cultural and political issues. Following their successful debut in 2024, Ouchhh Studio will return to Art Dubai this year, presenting MotherEarth, a large-scale AI-driven data sculpture that transforms raw climate data—including air quality, CO2 emissions, humidity levels, and temperature changes—into a vivid sensory experience. New York-based data and kinetic artist Breakfast will present Carbon Wake, a digitally controlled kinetic installation that transforms real-time energy data collected from cities around the world. Gathering energy production data from a new city every minute, the work visualises the impact of individual energy choices through motion and interaction. Further highlights will include Retreat , a new work by Italian artist Jacopo Di Cera, reflecting on the urgent need for climate action, capturing the melting of the Brenva glacier in the Italian Alps through an impactful four-metre-high piece with over 30 upcycled screens. Hybrid Xperience, a collective of artists, engineers and creatives based in Dubai, will present a large-scale kaleidoscope inviting audiences to visualise their dreams using artificial intelligence. Taking its title from the Arabic for 'electricity', Kahrabaa, is a monumental site-specific installation by Ania Soliman that traces complex interconnections between technology, nature, and memory. The work was created in response to Beirut's ongoing energy crisis, and presents five-metre-high canvases that blend technological and organic motifs captured in a series of performative acts involving artificial and real plants being thrown onto the canvases. Total Arts at the Courtyard (Fereydoun Ave, Shaqayeq Arabi and Dariush Zandi) will present Reconstructed Landscape, a new site-specific installation. Their latest collaborative project transforms fragments of found objects from the mountains and urban environments of the UAE into an imagined terrain. Through photo collages, sculptures and assemblages, the work will carry traces of each object's origins, forming a landscape that is both rooted in reality, and shaped by imagination. The work invites reflection on the fragile relationship between humans and their environment, urging viewers to consider how we shape, and are shaped by, the world around us. New digital commission by Mohammed Kazem, presented by Julius Baer Swiss Wealth Manager Julius Baer, lead partner of Art Dubai, will present a newly commissioned digital installation by Emirati artist, Mohammed Kazem titled Directions (Merging) – ??????? (?????) . In this installation, Kazem places the coordinates of Dubai at the centre of the space, drawing the visitors to converge as well – a microcosm of the city and the fair. The viewer is then surrounded by three walls containing a collection of static coordinates lining every inch, placed against the backdrop of moving waves, highlighting the feeling of this convergence and borderless flow. The installation speaks to the seamless exchange of resources, the fluidity of nature, and the interconnectedness of distant shores, mirroring Dubai's evolution as a future city and a hub for global communities. This commission is part of Julius Baer's 'Future Cities' next generation theme – looking at the enormous growth potential of cities and how they are the engines of the global economy. This also marks Julius Baer's 10-year partnership with Art Dubai, and the wealth manager's third major digital commission at Art Dubai, following successful collaborations with Krista Kim in 2024 and Refik Anadol in 2023. Piaget to debut a new commission by Alyamamah Rashed Piaget returns to Art Dubai 2025 with a special commission by Kuwaiti artist Alyamamah Rashed , which will feature in a new exhibition titled 'Play of Shape' celebrating the Maison's creativity, energy and craftsmanship through a showcase of their daring jewellery and watch collections. The commissioned piece, to be created in Alyamamah's distinctive surrealist style, will debut at Art Dubai and draw inspiration from Piaget's signature styles that are anchored in the vibrant creativity and the social and artistic revolutionary ethos of the 1960s and 1970s. ART DUBAI 2025 TALKS AND CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING Global Art Forum 2025: 'The New New Normal' The largest arts conference in the Middle East and Africa, Art Dubai's Global Art Forum will this year examine how change keeps changing, often making everyday life feel more unsettling and unpredictable than science fiction. The 2025 edition, entitled 'The New New Normal,' will offer a timely exploration of the cultures and economies that are transforming chaos into progress. Sessions — featuring many of the world's foremost thinkers, technologists, artists, and forecasters — will cover transformations in quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence, gamified economics, cultural geopolitics, beauty and luxury industries and the never-ending reach of social media into our personal and political realms. The programme will be hosted by Global Art Forum Commissioner Shumon Basar and is curated by Y7, the UK-based post-disciplinary duo Hannah Cobb and Declan Colquitt, who specialise in integrating AI for audio-visual works and cultural criticism through their writing. Speakers will draw on a diverse range of expertise and backgrounds and will include celebrated architect Rem Koolhaas, artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan and Postpostpost. Second Annual Digital Summit Taking place over three days and building on the platform established by Art Dubai Digital, the second edition of the Digital Summit at Art Dubai brings together international and local industry leaders to explore the theme 'After the Technological Sublime'. Under the direction of Art Dubai Digital's curator Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, the summit offers a unique opportunity to discuss and debate how art and technology are addressing critical environmental, social, cultural, and political challenges. The programme will feature public talks, lectures, and breakout sessions, with contributions from museum directors, curators, artists, and experts shaping the global digital art landscape. The summit programme will address questions around ecological activism in media art; bias in artificial intelligence; and a focus on the future of museums in the digital age. The second Digital Summit is in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture. Collector Talks Art Dubai Collector Talks offers a platform for collectors within the Art Dubai network to discuss their passions, idiosyncrasies, unique perspectives, and provide intimate glimpses into their personal lives and inner worlds. This series fosters connections among like-minded individuals while offering inspiration to those who aspire to a deeper engagement with collecting. This year's discussions will explore questions that are particularly relevant to our times, including whether collectors are the same anywhere in the world; whether the practice of collecting, along with its motivations, has shifted over recent history. The sessions will also explore whether collectors today think beyond personal gratification, including whether the notion of 'impact collecting' shapes their decisions when acquiring works and fostering relationships with artists? Modern Talks Art Dubai Modern Talks is an annual series of conversations that support the fair's commitment to scholarship and under-explored art histories. A platform for discursive conversations sparked by Art Dubai Modern, whose 2025 edition is curated by Dr. Nada Shabout and Magalí Arriola, this year's programme will explore the cultural affinities and solidarities between West Asia, North Africa and Latin America, delving into shared experiences of navigating new national identities and examining how heritage has served as a tool for artists and scholars to address contemporary realities. Art Dubai's Collector and Modern Talks are presented in partnership with Dubai Collection, the city's first institutional collection of Modern and Contemporary art. Further talks strands will include a new Conversations with Artists series, exploring the practice, stories and achievements of international and regional artists featured at this year's fair. Additionally, a new series of intimate conversations, presented by HUNA , will delve into the lives and practices of leading cultural voices in the UAE A detailed day-by-day schedule of Art Dubai's extensive talks, workshops and events programme will be available in late March.
