Latest news with #SheikhaLatifabint
What's On
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Deira Clock Tower ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world
The announcement was made by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority… If you've seen photos of Dubai from decades ago, a black and white photo of Deira Clock Tower would have been one of the most iconic pictures you would have come across. The Deira Clock Tower was built in 1963 and was the first land passage between Deira and Bur Dubai. It is located at the intersection of Umm Hurair Street and Al Maktoum Street – one of the most important crossroads in Dubai. It also served as the initial point of junction for the main highways heading to Dubai. And now… it has just been ranked as one of the most beautiful clock towers in the world… 3 of 12 Deira Clock Tower in 1968 Deira Clock Tower in 1974 Deira Clock Tower in 1986 Deira Clock Tower in 2020 Deira Clock Tower after its glow-up in 2023 Deira Clock Tower after its glow-up in 2023 Deira Clock Tower after its glow-up in 2023 The news was shared by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, on her official X (previously, Twitter) account. 'دوار الساعة' في منطقة ديرة، كان أول معلم بارز يراه زوّار دبي في أوائل الستينيات، كما كان أول معبر بري بين ديرة وبر دبي.⁰لطالما ارتبط دوار الساعة بذاكرتنا الجماعية، وطفولتنا، وذاكرة أهالي الإمارة وزوّارها. حيث لعب دوراً محورياً في مسيرة دبي التنموية.. ومع مرور الوقت، أصبح هذا… — Latifa MR Al Maktoum (@hhshklatifa) May 15, 2025 In her post, Sheikha Latifa said, 'The Deira Clock Tower stood as Dubai's first iconic landmark in the early 1960s and marked the city's first land connection between Deira and Bur Dubai. Since then, it has played a vital role in the city's transformation—earning a lasting place in the hearts of residents and visitors, and becoming a defining symbol of Dubai's cultural and urban identity.' The glow-up it deserved In May 2023, Dubai Municipality announced that the iconic roundabout would undergo a renovation. The glow-up was complete on August 31. According to Dubai Municipality, the project reflects its 'commitment to utilize its full potential to support sustainable urban development that meets Dubai's futuristic urban and economic development goals and plans.' The water fountain's design was revamped and now includes multicoloured lighting. The aesthetics of the roundabout were also revamped with the introduction of hard floors with greenery. A very notable change is the clock face managed by Omega. The time has been managed by the Swiss Luxury Watch manufacturer ever since 2010 and now… its classic red logo is larger and more visible than before. *Throwback: This is what 6 of your favourite Dubai spots used to look like* Why the change? Well, the improvement project is part of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai last year in December 2022. According to Phase II of the master plan, areas including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Deira, and Bur Dubai, all the way across Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Expo City will be modernised in order to make Dubai the world's best city for living. The detailed strategy, a key part of which is sustainability, will boost the quality of life and happiness of people in addition to reinforcing the Emirate's global competitiveness. Want to see how much Dubai has changed over the past few years, here are some before and after snaps of the city you need to see. Images: Getty and WAM > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Hi Dubai
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIHAD Opens in Dubai to Drive Global Humanitarian Collaboration
DIHAD 2025 opened its doors at the Dubai World Trade Centre, uniting global humanitarian leaders, aid organisations, and policymakers for three days of high-level dialogue and collaboration under the theme 'Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World'. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. She was joined by ambassadors, international delegates, and senior officials during a tour of the exhibition. Now in its 21st edition, DIHAD brings together over 18,000 participants from 160 countries, including representatives from UN agencies, charities, and private sector providers. The conference features 131 speakers across 64 sessions and nearly 200 workshops. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD, described the event as a global platform for sustainable solutions, stressing the urgency of unity and innovation in today's fragmented world. Switzerland was announced as this year's Guest of Honour. Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, praised DIHAD's role in fostering cooperation and reaffirmed Switzerland's humanitarian commitment. The conference also saw the launch of the DIHAD 2044 agenda, a long-term strategy built around sustainability, empowerment, partnership, education, and innovation. With over 3,000 active partnerships, organisers aim to strengthen global impact and local engagement in the years ahead. Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, received the DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief 2025 in recognition of her outstanding global contributions. Roundtable sessions on Day One highlighted key issues including youth volunteerism and international cooperation in crisis response, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as a global humanitarian leader. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
‘Bait Al Khazaf' Celebrates Pottery and Artistic Talent at 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is hosting a diverse lineup of creative activities for visitors to the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presents 'Bait Al Khazaf,' a dedicated space celebrating the art of pottery while providing hands-on workshops in ceramics, performing arts, painting, and design. Designed to inspire children's creativity, these sessions align with the Authority's commitment to nurturing emerging talent, investing in future generations, and encouraging skill development. As part of the festival—an initiative under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy—the Centre is offering a variety of art workshops, including pottery-making, where children learn to shape clay on a wheel and paint ceramics. Other sessions explore decorating candles, bags, and boxes with different materials. Theatre experts will also be present to guide young participants in acting and stage performance, teaching them the fundamentals of shadow theatre and costume design. The calendar of events includes music programmes led by the Centre for Musical Arts and a collaborative mural in which families can take part. 'Bait Al Khazaf,' curated by artist Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of the Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, also features works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights include 'Communication and Connection' by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, representing her journey in search of perfection. Emirati artist Abdulla Al Hammadi presents 'Ibahar' (Sailing), inspired by pearl diving voyages, and 'Shira'a' (Sail), which blends the form of a sail with that of a fish. The collection also includes 'Untitled' by Egyptian artist Abeer Essa Adam, examining the interplay between mass and space. Pakistani artist Adeel Umar showcases 'Calligraphy Mural' and Australian artist Alex Rawson's 'Cultural Diffusion' reflects on the exchange of ideas, traditions, and beliefs among societies. Emirati artist Amal Thani displays her collection 'Pink,' and Sudanese artist Amani Badur unveils 'Oryx the Survivor,' symbolising strength and overcoming life's challenges. Lebanese artist Cybelle Moutran contributes 'Fragments of Time,' while 'Silent Waves' by Dina Alhallaq invites contemplation of nature's quiet beauty and strength. 'Bait Al Khazaf' also includes the 'People of Determination Exhibition,' which celebrates the artistic creations of a group of inspiring individuals whose works narrate unique stories and serve as a testament to their resilience. Dubai Public Library, through its 'School of Life' initiative, offers festivalgoers specialised workshops in literature and visual arts. These include 'Ordering Food at a Restaurant,' which introduced essential phrases commonly used in local restaurants and cafés. Meanwhile, calligraphy artist Mohammed Al Tamimi led a 'Ruq'ah Calligraphy' workshop, and Dr Saeed Abdullah Al Wail conducted 'Doors and Wooden Carvings,' where individuals explored traditional wooden door carving and how this reflects Emirati heritage. Ola Allouz guided visitors in 'Sikka Art & Design Festival: The Best Moments,' focusing on the art of photography and turning everyday moments into artistic shots. 'Sikka Folktales' by artist Magdy ElKafrawy brought storytelling to life on a canvas inspired by UAE's cultural heritage. 'World Stage Design House' (House 203) by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy hosted a series of specialised theatre workshops aimed at enhancing children's performing arts skills. These include Jacqui George's 'Puppet Workshop,' where young visitors learned to create shadow puppets made using recycled materials creatively. Youmna (Eve) Aboelella conducted the 'Lighting Workshop,' teaching aspiring creatives how to use light and colours in theatrical storytelling, while Salma Lakharouti trained them in costume design using recycled materials. 'Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales' (House 355) displays the projects of students who participated in a summer camp organised by the Ministry of Education in July 2024. Their art is inspired by 'Kharareef' (local folktales), blending mythical elements with contemporary expression through visual arts, music, creative writing, cinema, and photography. These exhibits reflect the essence of local cultural heritage and reimagine traditional folktales. The festival is organised in partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Arts, crafts, talks, workshops, music ruled at Sikka Art & Design Festival
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) hosted a diverse lineup of creative activities for visitors to the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival (Jan. 31 – Feb. 9). It was held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. During the fest, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presented 'Bait Al Khazaf', which celebrated the art of pottery, also providing workshops in ceramics, performing arts, painting, and design. At the pottery-making workshop, children learnt to shape clay on a wheel and paint ceramics. Other sessions explored decorating candles, bags, and boxes with different materials. Theatre experts guided young participants in acting and stage performance, teaching the fundamentals of shadow theatre and costume design. The calendar included music programmes led by the Centre for Musical Arts and a collaborative mural, in which families could take part. 'Bait Al Khazaf' was curated by artist Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children; the event also featured works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights included 'Communication and Connection' by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, representing her journey in search of perfection. Emirati artist Abdulla Al Hammadi presented 'Ibahar' (Sailing), inspired by pearl diving voyages, and 'Shira'a' (Sail), which blended the form of a sail and that of a fish. The collection also included 'Untitled' by Egyptian artist Abeer Essa Adam, which examined the interplay between mass and space. Pakistani artist Adeel Umar showcased 'Calligraphy Mural' and Australian artist Alex Rawson's 'Cultural Diffusion' reflected on the exchange of ideas, traditions and beliefs among societies. Emirati artist Amal Thani displayed her collection 'Pink', and Sudanese artist Amani Badur unveiled 'Oryx the Survivor', symbolising strength and overcoming life's challenges. Lebanese artist Cybelle Moutran contributed 'Fragments of Time', while 'Silent Waves' by Dina Alhallaq invited contemplation of nature's quiet beauty and strength. 'Bait Al Khazaf' also included the 'People of Determination Exhibition' which celebrated the artistic creations of a group of inspiring individuals whose works narrated unique stories, serving as a testament to their endurance. Dubai Public Library, through its 'School of Life' initiative, offered festival goers specialised workshops in literature and visual arts. It included 'Ordering Food at a Restaurant', which introduced essential phrases commonly used in local restaurants and cafés. Meanwhile, calligraphy artist Mohammed Al Tamimi led a 'Ruq'ah Calligraphy' workshop and Dr. Saeed Abdullah Al Wael conducted 'Doors and Wooden Carvings', where individuals explored traditional wooden door carving and how this reflected Emirati heritage. Ola Allouz guided visitors in 'Sikka Art & Design Festival: The Best Moments', focusing on photography and turning everyday moments into artistic shots. 'Sikka Folktales' by artist Magdy ElKafrawy brought storytelling to life on a canvas inspired by the UAE's cultural heritage. 'World Stage Design House' (House 203) by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy hosted a series of specialised theatre workshops aimed at enhancing children's performing arts skills. It included Jacqui George's 'Puppet Workshop', where young visitors learned to create shadow puppets made using recycled materials creatively. Youmna (Eve) Aboelella conducted the 'Lighting Workshop', teaching aspiring creatives how to use light and colours in theatrical storytelling, while Salma Lakharouti trained them in costume design, using recycled materials. 'Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales' (House 355) displayed the projects of students who participated in a summer camp organised by the Ministry of Education in July 2024. Their art was inspired by 'Kharareef' (local folktales), blending mythical elements with contemporary expression through visual arts, music, creative writing, cinema, and photography. The festival featured over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling and traditional crafts. 'Emerging City' hosted the 'Gypsum Art' workshop, which explored gypsum carving techniques, while the 'Traditional Jewellery House' offered the 'Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace)' workshop, providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments. At the 'People and Faith House', visitors engaged in the 'Henna Stencil' and 'Prayer Bead Crafting' classes, while the 'Traditional Crafts House' presented 'Spindle', showcasing hand-weaving with traditional tools. Creativity took centre stage at House 355 – Masterpieces, where the 'Graffiti Art: Express Yourself with Spray Paint' workshop taught graffiti fundamentals under a professional artist's guidance. 'House 341 – Reality House' offered 'Doodles & AI', allowing participants to transform simple doodles into pieces of art, using generative artificial intelligence. The 'Glitch Art' session allowed participants to explore techniques inspired by digital distortions, unlocking new creative dimensions in digital art. Experts from 'Sxill Lab' led workshops at House 314, including 'Handmade Tile Making' and 'Cheese Board Design'. Meanwhile, the Sikka Platform at House 326 offered a range of sustainability and innovation-themed classes, notably 'Sustainability Now: Eco-Friendly Solutions' and 'Perfume Making for Adults'. House 15 hosted modern printing sessions with Tashkeel, teaching visitors 'Hand Printing on Bags' and 'Riso Printing'. At House 196 – Urban House by The Workshop DXB, singer Shilpa Ananth presented 'Unlocking Authenticity: The Psychology of Songwriting', exploring the emotional and experiential influences on songwriting, and helping participants refine their music composition skills. The festival also featured a series of talks at the talent development houses and at the 'Sikka Speaks' corner, featuring some of the most prominent creatives in the sector discussing global trends. Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari led 'Artistic Intervention in Satwa: Tracing Urban Nostalgia', while Sophie Mayuko moderated 'Go Global! International Opportunities & Strategies for Dubai-based Artists (Where to Start)', featuring Sanaz Askari, Giuseppe Moscatello, and Behrang Samadzadkan.
Mid East Info
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025: 19 Houses, 250 Artists, Infinite Creativity
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is celebrating a vibrant spectrum of artistic experiences at the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. Taking place in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, the festival features over 250 Emirati and UAE & GCC-based creatives. Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent and enriches the local art scene. This year's edition, part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, transforms 19 houses into colourful showcases, led by chief curator Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum. The festival includes the 'Design House' curated by Alanood Bukhammas, which hosts six innovative projects exploring the region's architectural and cultural roots. Highlighting the interplay between space and identity, the Omani collective 'Altqadum' presents 'Alhoush³ – The Courtyard3,' emphasising the courtyard as a core element of local architecture. Similarly, Palestinian-Lebanese artist Amer Madhoun – Collectus revives the annex as a key feature of Emirati heritage in his work 'Annexe House.' Capturing the essence of everyday rituals, Indian artist Aqib Anwar documents post-Friday prayer moments in Dubai. Focusing on the senses, Emirati artist Deenah Alhashemi's 'Childhood Archives' examines whether scents serve as a universal language or a deeply personal memory trigger. Emirati researcher Jumaanah Alhashemi's 'Future Histories' also uses scent, but as a medium to craft an immersive experience that reveals the profound impact of olfactory perception on enriching artistic expression. Syrian artist Zena Adhami's exhibition, 'Between Nature and Design: The Private Gardens of Dubai,' displays works by students from Zayed University's College of Arts and Creative Enterprises. The 'Urban House by The Workshop DXB' (House 196) curated by Lebanese artist Ahmad Makary, brings together a diverse collection of thought-provoking artworks. Among them, Filipino artist Gerard Roxas Rechdan's 'The Audible Self' offers an immersive sensory installation that translates the internal processes of our emotional world through sound. Indian-Canadian artist Fatspatrol's 'Between Hope and Devastation' examines the tension between these two opposing states. Iranian artist Kav Ahangar, in 'Don't Pull My Strings,' invites the audience to delve into the delicate fabric of human emotions. New Zealand artist Noah Perelini's 'Fragments' navigates the complexities of identity and authenticity. Meanwhile, Makary himself presents 'Veiled Tension,' a striking installation confronting passive-aggressive communication. The Workshop DXB also celebrates printmaking in 'The Print Room.' The House On Memory Lane (House 200) presents a collection of creations exploring concepts of nostalgia, a sense of self, and cultural legacy. Alya Alhosani's 'Beyond the Memory' visualises the perception of memory and its artistic embodiment. 'Remnants of the Past' by Aysha Aldhaheri integrates handmade paper, natural dyes, and traditional crafts like Al Sadu, Al Talli, and Al Khoos, blending texture, sound, and heritage. Fatema (Fay) Alkaabi's project 'The City Surrounds Her' reflects on her grandmother's life and its connection to the UAE's transformation. Reem Alhashmi's 'Among the Acacia' captures personal memories of nature through hand-dyed silk. In 'Take a (Car) Seat,' Shama Almazrouie unpacks family dynamics and Shamsa Almansoori's 'Whispers Through Walls' explores the curiosity sparked by house facades, questioning the contrast between external appearances and internal realities. Duo Maitha Al Omaira and Amna Al Zaabi's 'Paradox of Preservation' gathers natural materials from Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood to create a topographical database of the area. The themes of House 202—Archiving the Now, curated by Ola Allouz, centre on heritage preservation and storytelling through traditional and digital practices. A collaboration between Allouz and supervising professor Dahlia Mahmoud, and the University of Europe | Dubai design team—including Dalia Ayman, Khuloud Al Khateb, and Mariam Al Ali—the exhibition highlights interactive moments that examine the intersection of technology and the arts, using a series of images and specially crafted artworks. Meanwhile, The House In The Back Of Your Mind (House 206) features a collection of works exploring identity, memory, and human connection across various mediums. abdelghani alnahawi, in 'Underwater Tunnel', examines the interplay of nature and industry, weaving parallel loops that merge elements of the ocean and the desert. Ahed Al Kathiri's 'I Heard Longing in Jada's Throat' is a sound piece featuring recordings of her grandmother singing a traditional Yemeni bridal chant in the Radaai dialect. In 'Symmetry series', Aseel Azizieh explores the delicate balance between similarities and differences among individuals, emphasising the ways we complement one another. The project 'Waters' offers a captivating audiovisual experience, collaboratively created by multiple artists, exploring the boundless power of water through experimental film photography. Divyaaunshi Purohit's 'Without a Voice, Grief Takes Shape in Silence' captures the emotional remnants left in abandoned houses. Ferwa Ibrahim's 'Megh Variations' delves into the poetic and psychological dimensions of water and its influence on human imagination. Hamad Alshamsi's 'The Spirit of Nobility' presents a portrait of the Arabian horse, a symbol of Arab cultural heritage. Hana El-Sagini's 'The Greenest Room' takes form as a ceramic installation reflecting themes of love, resilience, and growth, while Hesham Ali Abd El Aziz's 'Egyptians' pays homage to Egyptian life through intricate three-dimensional compositions. Jaafar Alhaddad's 'Map of Imagination' revives childhood memories with his grandmother, inviting viewers to explore the connection of nostalgia and reality. Ji-Hye Kim's 'The Story of Light, Water, and Stone' draws inspiration from Petra's landscapes, and Khoula Hamad's 'Traces of Home' reflects on the human struggle between movement and daily routine. Khalid Alsaabri, in 'The Ethereal Islands', challenges perceptions of colour and light, while Laia Lopez's 'Last Tribes in Siberia' documents the fading traditional lifestyles of Siberian tribes. The house also has a sensory element. Mariam Al Khoori's 'Form and Flux' looks at the relationship between tension and harmony, using palm wood and copper to symbolise the balance between fluidity and solidity. Maryam Alhashmi, in 'Attempt to Connect', delivers a sound-based work reflecting our struggle to communicate with ourselves in a world saturated with external interactions, while 'Cacophony' by Mezna Suwaidan translates dreamlike chaos into a tangible environment. Mohammad Ahmad Ahli, in 'When Lava Becomes Land', documents the transformation of molten lava into solid earth. Nada Barakeh presents 'Windshield', a photography series capturing the social fabric of Riyadh and Istanbul through car interiors. Rania Jishi's 'A Mother's Kitchen', explores motherhood, diaspora, and cultural preservation using fragmented kitchen elements, while Rawan Mohi's 'Silent Observer' is a ceramic installation that examines the quiet tension between presence and absence. Sara Al Khayyal, in 'Control Dies Here', questions the illusion of control in shaping one's sense of self, and Shaden Almutlaq, in 'Fires That Cook I', manipulates flax fibres into a matted landscape, symbolising the fluidity of change. The house also includes an array of additional works, such as 'The Double Egg Yolk' by Shahd Sultan; 'Homeland Echoes' by Shahd Mohamed Alblooshi; 'Clouds in My Sky' by Thomas Stollar; 'Where Roots Speak' by Ruqaya Alhashmi; and the installation 'Brink of the Abyss' by Ulku Caglayan. Realiity House (House 341), curated by Dr. Ahmad AlAttar, offers a fully immersive artistic experience that blends traditional art with modern technologies, engaging with themes of identity, time, and memory in innovative ways. Dr. Alattar's works —'The Oasis Within,' 'Moments,' 'At the Speed of Sadu,' 'Dates = IR,' and 'Melodies of a Mashtal' —present different perspectives on the interaction between nature, time, and sound. The Realiity platform also features 'Roots and Towers,' a holographic artwork documenting the UAE's urban transformation. Omar Al Hammadi and Marwan Sharaf, in 'Tempo of Emotions,' create an interactive installation that responds to emotional states. Maitha Al Mehairi, Shamma Khoory, and Marwan Sharaf employ artificial intelligence to revive and reconstruct lost memories in 'Epochs of Memories.' Marwan Sharaf's 'Shifting Sands' presents a generative digital artwork depicting the movement of sand dunes, while Latifa Saeed's 'Dust Devil 1' captures the phenomenon of an electromagnetic sand tornado through an innovative sensory experience. Expanding on the relationship between cultural roots and identity, the house features 'The Frogs in the Pond' by Tala Hammoud Atrouni; 'O Justice' by Shamma Ali Al Ameri; and 'The Dance of Horizons' by Khawla Abu Saleh. Dr. Nahed Chakouf's 'The Sacred Matrix' reinterprets Islamic Muqarnas as a kinetic, ever-evolving structure, while Dr Afra Atiq's 'Qaseeda Bela Kalimat (A Poem Without Words)' explores the rhythmic essence of Arabic poetry through an interactive sound-based installation. Materiality and transformation emerge in Salma Hani Ali's 'Metamorphic Forms – Study 21,' a dynamic metal sculpture that shifts through movement, questioning the fluidity of spatial boundaries. In an exploration of digital creativity, Amir Suleymani's 'What's Not an NFT?', challenges the boundaries of art and ownership in the blockchain era. The exhibition space also features 'Seeds of Tomorrow' by Realiity, an augmented reality (AR) experience where a virtual palm tree emerges, symbolising heritage and innovation in the UAE. Other notable works include 'Al-Bariha – The Future of Al-Ayyala' by Hassan Al-Ali; 'Pearls of Imperfection,' 'Digital Portal to Al Shindagha's Past' and 'Tides of Being' by Mohamad Al Hamadi and Dr Ahmad AlAttar; 'Gargoor El Hayat' by Dr Afra Atiq and Dr Ahmad AlAttar; 'Echoes of the Creek' by Mohammed Alawadhi; 'Moss-Behaving' by Realiity; and 'Emotional Entanglement' by Omar Alhammadi. TODA House 349, curated by Evgeniya Romanidi, presents digital artworks exploring the relationship between individuality, technology, and nature. Among them is 'A Window to the Sea' by Chafic Mekawi, which invites viewers to think about Arab identity through the symbolism of a circle. Ginger Potter's 'Flat Reality' looks at the impact of technology on perception, while his work 'Petals' raises awareness on how we interact with the world and how others perceive us. Rank SSS, in 'Home of Nomads', transports viewers into hidden realms, merging nature and the digital to create landscapes that transcend conventional perception. The Khaleeji House 353, curated by Yara Ayoob, focuses on dreams, transformation, and the interplay between past and future through photography, installations, and sensory experiences. Alia Bent Sultan, in 'Dreams of the Era Might Become a Reality We Live', reflects on how today's seniors are seen, blending traditions with modern aspirations. Similarly engaging with change, Ali Hamad Saeed Huraimil's 'Freej Fever Dream' investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic creativity. Hadeel Ahmed Alshalan's 'Tasteless' explores the evolution of birthday celebrations in the Gulf, while Hamed Alharthy's 'Zombie 1 & 2' critiques the monotony of middle-class life. In 'The Dialectic of Transformation,' Khadija Ahmed addresses the concept of change through the symbolism of fish. Lamya Issa, Shaikha Al Matrooshi, and Anoud Alamri's collaborative work 'Shu Mswti? 'examines overthinking and the blurred boundaries between dreams and waking life. The exhibition also features 'Dreaming Over the Hills' by Latifa Al Awadhi; 'Notifiactionssss' by Mahmood Sharif; 'Dreams in the Wash' by Sard – Mujahid Almalki; 'Legends in Metal' by Noor N. Alali; 'A7lam Al3a9r on the Uke' by Rataj Khajah; and a virtual animated mural by Mariam Alobeidli. House 436 – The House On A Two-Way Street celebrates the diversity of art and creative experiences, bridging past and present. Aisha Al Hammadi's 'Emergence' reinterprets Islamic geometric patterns within contemporary art, gradually disintegrating them to balance between presence and absence. Alia Adnan Sharafi's 'Friday Prayer' examines the tension between religious commitment and modern distractions. Meanwhile, 'Defrosting What Was' by Alina El Assadi reflects on frozen histories and suspended moments in time. Exploring nostalgia, Amna Ilyas's 'The Album' recontextualises childhood memories by transforming everyday objects into fossilised forms. Similarly, Asma Yousef Al Ahmed's 'Folded Memory' highlights nostalgia through fabric folding and stitching techniques. Andres Ugartechea's 'El Mercado Market' shifts the focus to global working-class experiences in a mixed-media installation, while Bao's 'Figure' critiques the dynamics of the contemporary art market. Sustainability and materiality take centre stage in Fatma Kherbash's 'Hive Studies,' which incorporates beeswax and reclaimed wood frames. Malak El Ghuel's 'Four out of Ninety-Nine' reimagines the 99 Names of Allah using textile art. Mariam Bayat, in 'Erth,' honours Emirati heritage by incorporating handmade paper, palm tree fibres, and Al Ain sand. Meanwhile, Layla Doueidi and Tor Seidel's 'Odoroasis' maps Dubai and Sharjah through scent-based storytelling, creating an immersive olfactory experience. Urban development and personal narratives emerge in works like Reem Al Ani's 'Trespassers,' which captures the experience of growing up in a city that constantly evolves, while Zayed University students Hessa Naser, Mariam Al Ali, Suad Al Younes, and Asma AlShamsi document the historical transformation of Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah and Old Umm Al Quwain in 'Untold Stories,' preserving their narratives before urban development reshapes them. Additional pieces featured in the house include: 'Untitled Still Life' by Lameece Bouarroudj; 'Through the Glass, We Grew' by Maitha Bushelaibi; 'Kwaashi' by Maryam Alzaabi; 'Imagined Memories' by Maryam Bin Bishr; 'Residual Traces' by Mohamed Maged Rowaizak; 'Still Life With Teapot' by Morvarid Mohammad; 'Traversing Light' by Sara Alahbabi; 'Unforeseen Consequences, Pursuit of Influence, Diverse Perspectives' by Shahid Altaf Awan; 'What's The Next Stop?' by Somaya Alsayed; 'Visual Noise' by Tamer Karam; 'Emerging Ephemerals' by Dr Aref Maksoud and Eng Sarah Isam Alawneh; 'An Interplay of Light And Water' by Zahra Shafie; and 'Through Their Windows' by Zainab Alhashmi. Studio Thirteen House 357 at the festival is presented under the theme 'Community', where artists Spencer Shea and Arthur Du Peuty showcase 'Passing Through', a photographic and sound experience that documents everyday cultural moments. Meanwhile, British artist Fink 22, in 'Hidden Conversations', explores graffiti as a visual communication tool. Mexican artist José Roberto's 'Surreal Land' reinterprets the centenary of the Surrealist movement within Dubai's historical setting. Filipino artists Martin Yambao and Yasha Estrada, in 'Echoes', merge the textures of Al Shindagha with real-time motion capture, highlighting the relationship between fabric and movement. Leo Tapang's 'Dialogues' transforms the static history of Al Shindagha into dynamic interactions, while Rabab Tantawy's 'Shadows of Humanity' presents a collection of abstract paintings reflecting cultural identity and collective memory. House 348, presented by 7X and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), celebrates Emirati identity and cultural evolution through a thoughtfully curated collection. Among the highlights are 'Time Stamps' by Abdallah Alastad, 'Embroidery on Prints' by Aysha AlMadhani, and 'Kazua' by Hessa AlZarooni, a rocking chair inspired by local heritage and modern design. Other pieces on display are 'Reimagining Carrom' by Hind Rais, which is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional game, and Mariam Alobeidli's 'Eternal Motion: The UAE's Journey,' a rotating sculpture symbolising the nation's transformation. The festival, which runs until 9 February, is organised in partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development.
