Giant interactive screens, immersive cameras, and animated displays are weaving a new landscape for digital art in Dubai, a city steadily transforming into a global incubator for creative innovation. As technology and artificial intelligence redefine art forms, Dubai is not only keeping pace but setting standards through its annual exhibitions, dedicated digital art galleries, and museum experiences.
Recently, Dubai achieved another milestone by securing the rights to host the International Digital Art Conference 2026, further solidifying its role as a cultural capital and creative destination. According to Maitha Al Blooshi, Head of Events at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the upcoming conference will invite digital creators worldwide to submit their works for curated exhibitions. “This conference is primarily academic, featuring research papers from students and scholars, selected by an expert committee to be shared within universities,” she explained.
She emphasized that hosting the conference aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision to become a global leader in digital art. “Our mission is to make Dubai a home for creatives, with initiatives like training programs that combine art with technology,” she added, citing examples such as an emerging artist who converted his home into a studio to deliver Dubai’s first art-tech training program showcased at Sikka Art & Design Festival.
Early pioneers of digital media
Artist Mohammed Kazem reflected on the early use of digital materials in UAE visual arts, crediting Hassan Sharif as the first to integrate photography into performance-based artworks during his university years. Kazem himself has explored diverse mediums, incorporating augmented reality to present massive virtual installations in public spaces worldwide. He stressed the importance of institutional flexibility in accepting new artistic mediums, noting, “Art is in constant flux. Impressionism was once rejected before transforming the art world.”
Metaverse and NFTs reshaping creativity
Khalil Abdulwahid discussed how emerging concepts like NFTs and the metaverse are redefining digital creativity. “Dubai has embraced these trends, with galleries dedicated exclusively to digital art, some reflecting local cultural themes,” he said. Abdulwahid, who integrates digital techniques into his photography-based works, believes AI accelerates artistic processes, particularly in animation. However, he underlined that technology enhances art without replacing its classic foundations.
Blending Arabic calligraphy with technology
Artist Diaa Allam, renowned for merging Arabic calligraphy with digital innovation, shared his journey spanning over 15 years. From virtual reality to animated calligraphy displayed on Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Dome, his works exemplify the seamless integration of tradition and technology. “To preserve Arabic calligraphy, we must keep it relevant by incorporating it into modern digital contexts,” he noted, adding that its flexibility allows limitless creative possibilities.
Engineering creativity into art
Ahmed Al Attar bridges his engineering expertise with artistic passion, creating interactive installations using mechanics, electronics, and movement. His AI-powered reimaginings of historical Dubai, such as upcoming works for Al Shindagha Museum, showcase how AI transforms archival materials into living narratives. “Young artists are especially keen to harness AI for innovative practices,” he said.
AI as inspiration rather than replacement
Diaa Allam emphasized that AI is merely a tool, and its artistic impact depends on how it’s used. “I prefer AI for visual inspiration rather than creating final artworks,” he explained, reflecting a sentiment shared by many artists who see AI as a catalyst rather than a creator.
As Dubai prepares for the International Digital Art Conference, the city continues to foster a fertile environment for creativity, technology, and cultural identity to thrive hand-in-hand – proving that its future as a global creative hub is not just promising but inevitable.
