The historic Al Shindagha district is currently hosting the 14th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival, organized by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The festival runs until February 1st and features over 250 artworks and installations by a diverse group of artists, including Emiratis, residents of the UAE, and distinguished participants from across the Gulf. The event reflects the rich diversity of Dubai’s vibrant art scene.
Al Shindagha’s courtyards and walls have been transformed into a large open-air art gallery, showcasing contemporary murals and innovative installations. These works draw inspiration from heritage, collective memory, language, and identity, capturing modern artistic directions while reinforcing the emirate’s cultural identity.
Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized that the festival’s installations and experiences reflect the Authority’s commitment to supporting talent and enabling artists to express their creative visions. She noted that the works dealing with themes such as memory, identity, heritage, and language contribute to showcasing Dubai’s creative identity and cultural values through contemporary artistic expressions.
She added that the festival acts as a creative incubator that brings together all elements of the artistic landscape, celebrating both established artists and emerging talents. This encourages meaningful dialogue between artists and the public and helps embed art as a vital component in shaping social awareness and transforming urban spaces into vibrant platforms for interactive experiences.
This year’s edition also features 11 curated murals, overseen by art curator Mouza Lootah, inspired by the district’s historical fabric and narratives. These artworks serve as an extension of the “House of Memory” exhibition, which celebrates the idea of collective memory and showcases contemporary pieces rooted in local heritage.
