Dubai continues to cement its position as a global hub for creativity and innovation with the unveiling of CLIO — a visionary art project set to become one of the largest and most immersive cultural landmarks in the world.
Stretching across an impressive 10 kilometers and covering more than one million square meters, CLIO is more than an artwork — it is a living story, a transformative journey that invites visitors to explore themes of belonging, memory, and collective creativity.
A Cultural Experience at a Global Scale
Designed by acclaimed contemporary artist Agron Hoti, CLIO is composed of 25,000 modular units (each 2×2 meters), forming a flowing visual narrative that responds to the environment and reflects the shared human experience. The project is situated within the dynamic setting of Dubai and is expected to welcome over 4.8 million visitors during its six-year program.
At the heart of the experience lies the CLIO House — a distinctive architectural space that will serve as a permanent home for art exhibitions, artist residencies, cultural dialogues, and global collaborations. It is envisioned as a cultural magnet, bringing together creatives, thinkers, and visitors from around the world.
Innovation Meets Immersion
CLIO is not just a physical installation; it’s an immersive platform where art meets technology. Through a network of interactive digital walls, visitors will explore “The Making of CLIO” — a deep dive into the inspiration, process, and stories behind every element of the project.
Supported by X-Dubai, a leading name in urban culture and extreme sports, and in partnership with Skydive Dubai, the project also offers thrilling aerial perspectives, giving visitors a unique view of the massive installation from above.
Custom-designed experiential packages will allow guests to fully engage with the space — not just walk through it, but truly become part of the narrative.
Designed With Purpose and Emotion
Award-winning architect Matteo Antonelli, who led the design, shared that the essence of CLIO began with observing Dubai’s natural beauty — the light, the textures, the sky. These elements inspired a fluid, river-like structure that connects all parts of the installation to its centerpiece: the CLIO House.
Antonelli emphasized that the architecture doesn’t dominate the art — it becomes part of it. “True architecture begins with a feeling for the land,” he noted. “CLIO reflects that emotion, bridging the past and future in one flowing experience.”
More Than Art — A Platform for Learning and Inclusion
Beyond its visual impact, CLIO is being developed as a pioneering educational platform. A dedicated education committee is already working to involve students and young creatives through immersive programs, workshops, and open studio sessions.
Over the course of a year, Dubai Harbour will transform into a creative open-air classroom, where children and university students can witness the artistic process up close, interact with the creators, and engage in meaningful learning inspired by real-world creativity.
Dr. Fawz Ghatabi, a member of the CLIO education committee, said the initiative aims to instill values of inclusivity, tolerance, and shared humanity — all core themes embodied by CLIO.
A Landmark Project for Dubai’s Creative Economy
Developed on land owned by Shamal Holding, a diversified Dubai-based investment firm, CLIO is a strategic project that aligns with Dubai’s vision for a thriving creative economy and immersive cultural tourism.
“This is more than a landmark,” said Massimiliano Soglia, CEO and founder of CLIO Park. “It’s a new global standard for public art and experiential storytelling. Dubai is not just hosting this project — it’s leading a global cultural movement.”
CLIO will unfold in phases, with initial development starting in 2026 and the opening of CLIO Oasis anticipated in 2027. The full project is scheduled for completion in 2033, and will also be documented in a feature-length film produced in collaboration with Dubai Film.
A Living Work of Art That Welcomes the World
One of the most interactive aspects of the project is “CLIO’s Hands” — a long-term participatory installation that invites the public to leave their own creative mark. From visitors to local artists and global collaborators, everyone becomes part of the evolving narrative.
As Dubai continues to rise as a global destination for innovation, design, and culture, CLIO stands as a powerful symbol of what the city represents: vision, unity, and the limitless power of human imagination.
