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## Murals and Installations Transforming Dubai’s Historic Al Shindagha Neighbourhood
The 14th edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival is breathing new life into the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, turning this area into an open-air gallery teeming with vibrant murals and installations. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, this festival not only celebrates art but also intertwines it with Dubai’s rich history. This year’s festival runs until February 1, 2026, and is a part of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, highlighting the city’s commitment to infusing art into daily life.
### A Diverse Showcase of Artistic Talent
This year’s festival features over 250 artworks, showcasing both local talents and artists from around the Gulf and beyond. With its focus on public engagement, Sikka transcends the traditional boundaries of exhibit spaces. Rather than confining art to a single location, it immerses visitors in a shared community experience throughout the historic district.
The emphasis on accessibility aligns with the broader aims of Dubai Culture, which seeks to not only support but also promote the cultural and creative sectors. The festival’s distinct approach allows art to organically interact with the urban landscape, turning everyday interactions into immersive artistic experiences.
### Murals: Telling Stories of Heritage and Connection
One of the standout elements of the Sikka Art & Design Festival is a curated collection of eleven murals, overseen by curator Mozah Lootah. These murals draw upon Dubai’s urban environment and social narratives, exploring themes such as memory, language, and cultural heritage. They serve as a canvas for intergenerational connections, echoing the festival’s overarching theme of collective remembrance.
Among the notable works is Eman Alrashdi’s ‘Al-Majlis,’ which captures the essence of informal coffee gatherings as spaces filled with warmth and a sense of national identity. The collaborative mural ‘Between the Past and the Present’ by Amna Alketbi and Fatima Al Hammadi visualizes generational relationships through the tender metaphor of a mother guiding her daughter. Other artists, including Nora Al Sabah and Noor Al Khamiri, delve into themes of nature, femininity, and inherited wisdom, presenting diverse perspectives and artistic styles.
### Site-Responsive Installations and Interactive Experiences
The festival has also integrated various installations throughout the courtyards of Al Shindagha, aligning them with Dubai’s Public Art Strategy. These installations emphasize site responsiveness and community engagement, using the unique architectural features of the neighbourhood to enhance the artistic dialogue.
Notable works from the S’ila Collective, such as ‘Entrance of Tomorrow’ and ‘Views of Tomorrow,’ explore cultural coexistence and the dynamic interplay between the past and futurity. Moreover, they invite participation and creativity, as seen in interactive projects like ‘Create (اِبدع)’ by Sandra Boutros and ‘The Pearl Majlis’ by Fuad Ali and Rahat Kunanunova. Such works utilize innovative materials and technologies, transforming the act of gathering into a more engaging artistic dialogue.
Projects designed to encourage encounters, from playground-inspired installations to high-tech exhibits employing real-time body tracking, showcase public art as a means of fostering conversation and reflection. Rather than mere decoration, these artworks become vital tools for community engagement within the urban fabric.
### The Vital Role of Public Art in Urban Life
By embedding contemporary art within the historical context of Al Shindagha, the Sikka Art & Design Festival emphasizes the importance of public art in shaping collective memory and urban identity. This unique approach promotes an ongoing exchange between artists and the community, making art an integral part of everyday life in Dubai.
With its decentralized format and focus on accessibility, the festival stands as a powerful platform for artistic expression and discourse, enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
The Sikka Art & Design Festival 14 will be on display in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood until February 1, 2026. To learn more, visit the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority website.
