Hala Badri Lauds showCACE 2025 as a Dynamic Platform Showcasing Emirati Innovation and Cultural Identity
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has praised the ingenuity and cultural depth of the senior projects presented at showCACE 2025, organised by the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University. Held at Dubai Design District (d3), the exhibition runs until 9 May and showcases student works across interior design, animation, graphic design, and visual arts.
Badri, who was accompanied by Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, toured the exhibition and engaged with students behind the innovative projects. She commended the originality, relevance, and societal impact of their work, describing the showcase as “a vital platform that reflects the power of Emirati creativity and a testament to Dubai’s flourishing creative economy.”
“The students are not just displaying artistic talent—they are addressing real social narratives, celebrating heritage, and demonstrating how design and creativity can enrich lives,” Badri remarked. She reiterated Dubai Culture’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting Dubai’s vision to become a global cultural capital and a hub for innovation and creative industries.
Among the standout projects were:
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“From, To” by Alya Alraeesi, inspired by vintage Arabic book covers.
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“Adama” by Maryam Obaid Keraif, exploring identity through names and faces.
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“In the Meelas” by Maitha Almarzooqi, capturing the spirit of Emirati family gatherings.
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“Sukoon” by Roudha Fawazi Alhadhrami, a concept for a women-only yoga retreat.
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“ELASSI” by Alyaza Ali Belabed, a boutique for a luxury Emirati fashion label.
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“The Emirati Dining Table” by Khawla Ali Alraeesi, documenting traditional family dining rituals.
Other notable exhibits included “Sugar Spark Adventure,” an educational game for diabetic children by Aisha Sultan Al Ali; “See the Music” by Salma Adnan Albannai, which blends music, craftsmanship, and technology; and “Visuals: Souq Naif” by Halima Albalooshi, examining the design language of Dubai’s historic market.
The exhibition served as a vibrant reflection of the students’ ability to merge artistic disciplines with cultural heritage and contemporary issues, ranging from sustainability and mental health to urban design and childhood education.
Dubai Culture's presence at the event not only affirms its support for young creatives but also highlights the emirate’s strategy to invest in human capital as a cornerstone of cultural and economic development.
