Walls and Courtyards Brought to Life at 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival
The historic alleys of Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood are being transformed into an open-air gallery as the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival brings together over 350 captivating works of art. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the festival is part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy and runs until 9 February 2025. Featuring a distinguished lineup of local and international artists, the festival reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture, creativity, and talent.
A Diverse Artistic Showcase
This year's edition presents 13 large-scale murals, each exploring unique themes and artistic techniques. Notable works include Eman Alrashdi’s "A Heritage of Night," which merges Emirati cultural identity with a Van Gogh-inspired backdrop. Perryhan El-Ashmawi’s "Child’s Play" captures the spontaneity of childhood creativity, while Karim Jabbari’s "Rooted Connections" blends Arabic calligraphy with poetry to express deep emotions.
The festival also boasts over 40 installations that merge contemporary and traditional artistic expressions. Works like Dr. Mohamed Yousif’s "Shells", which uses stone-carving techniques to narrate Dubai’s maritime past, and Azza Al Qubaisi’s "Dubai Heart", which delves into themes of identity and rapid urban transformation, are among the highlights.
International contributions include Chinese artist Liu Yang’s "Starry Sky in Dubai", Saudi artist Mohammed Al Thagafi’s "Conversation", and Spanish sculptor José Millán’s "Harmonic Connections", each offering fresh perspectives on human connection and environmental themes.
Sustainability and cultural preservation are also key themes, with installations such as "Renewal" by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, which repurposes high-quality recycled wood, and "Kajoja’s Lamma" by Jasim Al Naqbi & Hamad Al Mutawa, celebrating the Emirati craft of Talli-making.
A Community-Driven Cultural Initiative
Organised in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development, the festival is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to fostering artistic expression. Through a mix of immersive installations, sculptures, and murals, the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival bridges heritage, modernity, and global artistic dialogue.
