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Emirates 24/7
a day ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai wins bid to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art
Latifa bint Mohammed: Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future 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 dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology' Each year, ISEA brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art 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 at the conclusion of 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 innovation. Her 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. '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,' she said. Her 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. 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,' she said. 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. Zayed University to partner in organising event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University, will be held from 10 to 17 April 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 arts. Her Excellency Hala 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 technologies. Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, 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. 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. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed University hosts "GlobCom Symposium 2025"
23 May 2025 18:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Zayed University (ZU) announced the launching of the "GlobCom Symposium 2025" on May 23-24, at its Abu Dhabi campus. The event will bring together nine student teams from 14 universities across 13 countries to contend in a global strategic communications competition focused on conservation and in collaboration with Panthera, a global organisation devoted to the conservation of the world's 40 wild cat species, and the Global Communication Institute (GlobCom), an international academic platform empowering future public relations professionals, this year's symposium will explore the theme 'Game On: Interactive Campaigns for Biodiversity.'The student teams, who have been working together virtually across borders for the past two and a half months, will now come together in person to present their proposals to Panthera, showcasing how gamification can be leveraged to promote conservation awareness and engage global two-day programme will feature mentorship sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions with experts in biodiversity, communications, and youth engagement, concluding with a gala dinner and the announcement of the winning student team on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hosting the event reflects the University's commitment to global collaboration, experiential learning, and equipping students to tackle real-world challenges through innovative and strategic communication. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Zayed University students develop smart system to reduce traffic accident response time
Two students at Zayed University, Reem Ahmed Al Yafei and Asma Qosṭantini, have developed an innovative research project aimed at enhancing road safety in the UAE. Under the supervision of Dr Mousa Al Kafiri, they created a smart system to accelerate emergency response to traffic accidents. The project, named ResQ Alert, is an AI-powered platform which uses motion sensors, radar technology, and predictive analytics to automatically detect accidents. It swiftly directs emergency teams to the scene while considering the capacity of nearby hospitals. The students employed the 'Waterfall' methodology in developing the system, starting from sensor data analysis and platform design to testing its effectiveness in various simulated environments. The team hopes to pilot the project in high-accident-prone areas in collaboration with relevant authorities. They are currently seeking strategic partnerships to support the system's practical implementation within the UAE and potentially beyond. This project serves as an inspiring model for harnessing student potential to address national challenges and advance smart response systems, aligning with the UAE's vision for safer, more innovative cities.
What's On
15-05-2025
- What's On
Here's a sneak peek into the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi
It could open to you before the year is out… With the highly-anticipated opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi making waves in the UAE capital only last month, we now have our sights set on Zayed National Museum, which is slated for another exciting launch – possibly before the year is out. To feed your enthusiasm, here are 5 interesting facts about Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. How your tour begins teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi drew you in with dark, mysterious hues and incredible light shows that took some getting used to. At Zayed National Museum, you'll begin your tour at the 600-metre Masar Garden, which will introduce you to the nation's native plants. Much like teamLab, Masar Garden's exhibits will also be interactive, and you can expect to interact with and learn more about the Falaj irrigation system, which goes back almost 5000 years in time. There's also as many as 12 special animal-inspired sculptures that pay tribute to the fauna of the region. Journey back in time And their focus shall be the rich history of the UAE, with special emphasis on the vision of the Father of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. You'll also be educated on early human settlements that go back 300,000 years, and will have the chance to explore nature, trade, coastal life, language and traditions of the Emirates. These galleries will truly be a journey back in time. See a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age There's been much talk about this exhibit, and with good reason. A full-size reconstruction of a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age is one of Zayed National Museum's standout exhibits, and constructed with materials like reeds and palm-fibre rope, is undoubtedly going to be a major draw. The 18-metre Magan Boat comes to life following collaborative research conducted by Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, and you'll be able to get a glimpse of early seafaring, a time-honoured occupation of the region. If you've wondered what the huge structures atop the building are… Wonder no more. There's no way you've driven past Saadiyat Island without spotting these massive structures above the Zayed National Museum's construction, and we're told they represent the wings of a true regional icon, the falcon. The five massive steel structures pay tribute to falconry in the UAE, and will also act as wind towers – underscoring sustainability as a core component of the UAE's, and Abu Dhabi's strides forward. Everyone's invited, and everyone's welcome In addition to being a global masterpiece, Zayed National Museum is also big on inclusivity. Its design makes the structure accessible for all including people of determination and elderly members of society, fostering the spirit of community for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Images: supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
10-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Pressure Cooker serves food security at National Pavilion UAE in Venice
The National Pavilion UAE at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia (May 10 – Nov. 23, pre-opening May 8, 9), has opened with Pressure Cooker, curated by Azza Aboualam, Emirati architect and Assistant Professor at Zayed University and Co-founder of Holesum Studio. The exhibition poses a central question: Using the UAE as a case study, how can architecture contribute to greater global food security? Pressure Cooker could refer to the kitchen appliance and its versatility, the buildup of humidity within the greenhouse, or the intensifying pressures of the ongoing climate crisis. As climate change disrupts agricultural systems, traditional farming methods face mounting threats, from soil degradation to temperature extremes. The exhibition examines how architecture can respond to these challenges by proposing a series of experimental adaptive greenhouse assemblies for arid landscapes. It situates the UAE's agricultural landscape in the larger global context, exploring how architectural thinking can support versatile and resilient food production practices at both individual and community scales. Developed through a methodology that combines archival research, fieldwork and design-build experimentation, Pressure Cooker introduces a modular kit-of-parts for greenhouse assemblies, specifically catering to hot, arid climates. The kit breaks down the architectural vocabulary of the greenhouse into its basic components: roof, wall, floor, tools, and materials. They can be reconfigured in many ways, in different combinations that respond to climatic conditions and crop requirements. The approach proposes a future in which food production and architectural form are intertwined and can be integrated in our built and lived environments anywhere. A panoramic view of Pressure Cooker. Visitors will encounter a series of experimental greenhouse assemblies constructed using different combinations of the kit's components. Each assembly explores how inputs such as sunlight, shading, external temperature, irrigation, ventilation, and thermal mass and outputs such as interior temperature, light levels, humidity and energy use, can be negotiated through architectural form. The inputs and outputs also influence crop yield and detail the most effective ways to design and configure each greenhouse assembly. The exhibition includes crops with regional and historical significance such as cucumbers, while other assemblies demonstrate the ability to grow species rarely associated with desert climates, such as blueberries. The greenhouse assemblies respond to environmental challenges specific to the UAE, while also serving as a testing ground for how such structures might adapt to different contexts, such as Venice. Pressure Cooker thus brings together site-specific cultivation in Venice with research rooted in the UAE; it affirms architecture's role in shaping dynamic, adaptable food infrastructures across diverse climates. The installation is accompanied by multimedia and audio material that traces the exhibition's research phases. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, said that 'Pressure Cooker illustrates how local design solutions can contribute to new perspectives on sustainable urban living.' Angela Migally, Executive Director, Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation (SHF), said: 'Growth, understanding, and dialogue are essential to the continued evolution of the UAE's extraordinary architecture, art, and culture community.' The Foundation is the Commissioner of the Pavilion. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation is a private not-for-profit foundation committed to the cultivation of a more creative, connected, and thriving UAE community. Laila Binbrek, Director, National Pavilion UAE, commented that 'the National Pavilion UAE continues to play a leading role in shaping the UAE's cultural landscape ... This is reflected in Azza Aboualam's journey, who first engaged with the Pavilion as an intern in 2014. This year's exhibition introduces a new critical lens ... thoughtfully connected to the climate realities of our time.' Azza Aboualam said: 'The exhibition examines how architecture can help identify and address challenges in food production, bringing the UAE closer to its food security goals.' Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, said that 'the partnership between Zayed University and the National Pavilion UAE is an example of our commitment to advancing creativity through research, education, and collaboration.' A publication titled Pressure Cooker Recipes: An Architectural Cookbook edited by Azza Aboualam and published by Kaph Books, accompanies the exhibition. Holesum Studio is an interdisciplinary architecture and design practice based in New York, USA, and Sharjah, UAE. Azza Aboualam co-founded the studio in 2021, a few years after graduating from Yale School of Architecture. Her scholarly interests include the intersection of memory, architecture and society in the Middle East and North Africa region. She worked with the UAE Ministry of Culture's Architecture Initiative, and her field research, sketches and writing were published in the book In Search of Spaces of Coexistence: An Architect's Journey (2019). She also contributed research to Building Sharjah (2021), edited by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi and Todd Reisz, and Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai (2020), written by Todd Reisz. While working in Sharjah's Department of Public Works, Aboualam managed the design and construction of large-scale projects such as the Aga Khan Award–winning Wasit Wetland Center. The National Pavilion UAE is an independent, non-profit organisation, with a permanent pavilion at the Arsenale – Sale d'Armi. The award-winner curates the untold stories about the UAE's arts and architecture through its participation in the International Art and Architecture Exhibitions organised by La Biennale di Venezia. It is supported by the Ministry of Culture which champions Emirati cultural, artistic, and heritage institutions, providing a platform for creative and talented individuals across various fields, and promoting dialogue between different cultures.
