Murals Capturing Tradition, Identity, and Modernity

Among the 13 striking murals, notable works include:

• ‘A Heritage of Night’ by Eman Alrashdi, merging Emirati identity with a Van Gogh-inspired night sky.
• ‘Child’s Play’ by Perryhan El-Ashmawi, portraying childhood joy and creativity.
• ‘Rooted Connections’ by Karim Jabbari, blending Arabic calligraphy and poetry.
• ‘Dream Big’ by Noé Peiró, symbolizing Dubai’s rise from a fishing village to a global city.

Other murals explore urban life, nature, and cultural heritage, showcasing the depth of talent from regional and international artists.

Innovative Sculptures and Installations

Over 40+ installations redefine the landscape, including:

• ‘Shells’ by Dr Mohamed Yousif, depicting Dubai’s coastal history through stone carving.
• ‘Dubai Heart’ by Azza Al Qubaisi, exploring the UAE’s traditions and identity.
• ‘Starry Sky in Dubai’ by Liu Yang, a dynamic light sculpture inspired by celestial movements.
• ‘Moon’ by Mohamed Sahnoun, a calligraphy-adorned marble piece that shifts between full and crescent moon perspectives.

Interactive and Sustainable Art

Artworks like ‘Make-A-Friend’ by Hend Almurid, an installation allowing visitors to build their own sculptures, and ‘Renewal’ by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, made from recycled wood, highlight the festival’s focus on community engagement and sustainability.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence, ensuring a well-curated cultural experience.

With immersive art, heritage-inspired creations, and futuristic installations, Sikka 2025 cements Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural storytelling.

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The exhibition includes a piece titled ‘The Herd,’ which showcases vibrant landscapes that diverge from realistic representations of Ramallah. Anani’s paintings celebrate an idealized vision of Palestine, free from “checkpoints, cement barriers, or settlements,” as described in the gallery’s brochure.

Another highlight is ‘Kafr Qaddum,’ which underscores Anani’s belief that “the Palestinian land is not just a background, but an active participant in the narration of the story of Palestine that concludes with emancipation.” His artworks illustrate a deep connection between the Palestinian people and nature, emphasizing how this relationship has been disrupted by ongoing occupation.

Lastly, the piece ‘Zayta’ offers a reimagined portrayal of Palestine as a living entity, emphasizing the bond between its geography and inhabitants. The brochure elaborates, stating that Anani “erases the borders between the people and the landscape they live in, making them one unit with a shared history, present, and future.” For him, the land itself stands as a testament to the Palestinian struggle.

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This curated exhibition features more than 40 modern artworks, highlighting a decade of dedication to the integration of art and architecture. Notably, the collection includes works from acclaimed Emirati artist Dr. Najat Makki, whose pieces have garnered international recognition. Since its establishment in 2014, the gallery at Al Noon Residence has provided a platform for both established and emerging artists from the region. Originally launched by International House as the UAE’s first art-themed boutique hotel, Al Noon Residence uniquely blends modern Arab art with contemporary architectural design. Upon its debut, renowned artists Dr. Najat Makki (UAE), Ali Hassan (Qatar), and Khaled Ben Slimane (Tunisia) were commissioned to design four floors of the building.

The artistic design process for Al Noon Residence fostered collaboration and idea-sharing among the artists. Khaled Ben Slimane dedicated a month to creating the artwork featured in the apartments, while Ali Hassan crafted custom pieces for the lobby on-site to accommodate their size.

Each artwork was specifically designed to complement the building’s aesthetics, enhancing the overall experience.

The trio also collaborated on the design of the building’s common areas.

Al Bait Al Duwaliy emphasizes collaboration with renowned local and regional artists to embed artistic and cultural elements in its projects. Al Noon Residence harmoniously integrates the works of pioneering, award-winning artists into its interior design. To further celebrate this creative milestone, the exhibition will also include pieces by distinguished Lebanese artists Michel El Mir and Hoda Baalbaki, showcasing paintings that reflect themes from Dubai. The collection features a diverse array of contemporary and abstract oil paintings, along with calligraphic works.

The 10th-anniversary exhibition will be open from September 29 to October 31 at the Al Noon Residence Gallery, situated in Al Barsha 1, Dubai. The gallery will welcome visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free admission.

Rasha Almutawa, Executive Director of Al Bait Al Duwaliy, stated: “We are very pleased to celebrate this important milestone with an exhibition that not only showcases our journey but also envisions the future of art and modern architecture in Dubai. We are passionate about exploring the intersection of art and design in our real estate projects and hope this exhibition will inspire and foster a deeper appreciation for Arab art.”

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Alapide, who moved from the Philippines to Dubai in 2003 with the aim of creating a better future, has become a prominent figure in the UAE’s art scene over the past two decades. His artistic journey, which began as a tribute to his late grandmother, has evolved into a celebrated career in sand art. Reflecting on his early influences, Alapide shares, “I think I was around seven to eight years old. I used to stare at the cracks on the wall and [the] faded paints on it, and I would see or make up images or figures. This is when I started drawing.”

A Defining Moment in Sand Art

Alapide’s breakthrough came in 2014 at Jumeirah Beach, where he created a sand drawing of a tree in honor of his grandmother. This work attracted the attention of a local journalist, leading to widespread recognition. “Jumeirah Beach Hotel offered me a position as a full-time sand artist, which was a dream come true,” he recalls. Following this, he worked on Sand Portrait at RIXOS JBR and eventually pursued a freelance career, which allowed him to showcase his sand art on numerous prestigious platforms.

His portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Burberry and Adidas, a tribute to Emirati astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, and his Guinness World Record-setting sand image from 2022, which covered over 250,000 square feet and demonstrated his exceptional skill and creativity.

Mastering the Elements

Alapide’s choice of tools is surprisingly modest—a garden rake, which he likens to a pencil for his sand creations. He elaborates, “This is my tool, similar to a pencil, that I use to draw images in the sand.

For the lines or drawing to be more visible, it has to be done on damp or wet sand. I usually work early in the morning when the tide is low, providing me with a large area of wet sand to draw on.”

Creating sand art involves a race against time as the tides threaten to erase his work. “When I’m creating sand art on the beach, I’m always racing against time,” he explains. Alapide meticulously monitors tide forecasts to maximize his working window, making each creation a fleeting yet precious endeavor.

A Tribute to Sheikh Hamdan

Among Alapide’s most notable works is his sand portrait of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, accompanied by camels. “I drew Sand Portrait of Sheikh Hamdan with his camels because, like him, I share a deep appreciation for these beautiful animals. I also enjoy riding and racing camels,” says Alapide, who won first place in a camel race in Abu Dhabi in 2023. The portrait took two hours to complete, from 6 am to 8 am.

Alapide’s connection with Sheikh Hamdan dates back to his early years in Dubai, including his time as a lifeguard at Wild Wadi Waterpark and a scuba diver at Atlantis The Palm Aquarium. “The first time was between 2004 and 2005 when I was a lifeguard at Wild Wadi. He used to surf the wave machine there, and on a few occasions, I was the lifeguard on duty,” he recalls. “The second time was when Atlantis The Palm Aquarium first opened and I was a scuba diver at that time. He’d frequently freedive in the aquarium and on several occasions, I was there to assist him,” adds Alapide.

A Grounded Perspective

Despite his success and accolades, including recognition from the UAE for his unique sand art, Alapide remains anchored in the philosophy of his craft.

“Creating something fleeting or ephemeral such as sand art reminds you that everything is in constant change. It teaches you to let go and connect to something that is larger than yourself,” he reflects. This transient beauty in his art mirrors a deeper life lesson, emphasizing the impermanence and beauty of the moment.

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The first details of the HUNA Cultural Program were revealed at a special event at The Fold, a new urban community developed by HUNA and completed in July 2023, nestled in the heart of Jumeirah. The launch was attended by leading cultural figures alongside leading architects from the region, who held a panel discussion exploring how architecture and design can respond to history, culture, and context, and how they translate to human needs, values, and behaviours. Speaking at the event were: Tarik Khayyat, renowned architect and designer of The Fold and H-Residence; Ross Lovegrove, a creator, experimental thinker, and sculptor of technology who blends design, nature and art; and Arianna Bavuso, co-founder of AB+AC Architects, known for promoting positive community living through urbanism, architecture, and design.

Comprising bespoke experiences that will blend visual art, performance, music and gastronomy, the HUNA Cultural Program reflects A.R.M. Holding’s dedication to enriching Dubai’s cultural landscape and offers residents a platform for engagement, inspiration, and artistic inspiration. Art Dubai is curating a series of tailored experiences that promise to immerse and inspire a community rooted in art. The program will see a year-round calendar of events that blend art with insightful dialogues and interactive experiences, featuring thought-provoking talks by prominent figures, traversing topics from culture to technology and beyond, complemented by artistic performances that will transform HUNA into a cultural hub. A highlight is the HUNA Sculpture Park at H-Residence, which will debut in conjunction with Art Dubai 2024, taking place from March 1 – 3, 2024. The space is envisioned as a cultural sanctuary where art narrates stories of identity and heritage, fostering a deep connection with the community.

HUNA is redefining the concept of living spaces by infusing culture, art, and community into every development. New HUNA developments The Fold and H-Residence are architectural embodiments of HUNA’s vision, offering residents a lifestyle that is both luxurious and culturally enriched. The partnership with Art Dubai ensures that HUNA communities are not just living spaces but hubs of cultural exchanges and artistic expression. HUNA residents enjoy exclusive access to cultural events, art exhibitions and a lifestyle that intertwines art, culture, and comfort.

Umran Shah, Managing Director of Commercial Leasing at A.R.M. Holding, said “HUNA is a catalyst for experience, a curator of culture, and the creator of communities where every day is a celebration of life. Our journey at HUNA has always been driven by a singular version – to elevate everyday living through art and community. We believe in crafting spaces that are not just structures, but destinations of cultural and creative confluence. Our developments, The Fold and H-Residence, are testaments to this philosophy, embodying a blend of luxury, art, and community spirit. In our collaboration with Art Dubai, we are nurturing a cultural ecosystem. The HUNA Cultural Program is a vibrant expression of our commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement”

Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, and curator of the HUNA Cultural Program said: “Art Dubai is thrilled to curate the HUNA Cultural Program, a true celebration of creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange. This Program demonstrates HUNA’s and Art Dubai’s shared commitment to world-class cultural experiences, to nurturing creative communities, and to showcasing the best artistic talents in the UAE”

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Located within the prestigious Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Sculpture Park has been a visual treat for both residents and tourists. Stretching from the iconic Gate Building to the enchanting Gate Avenue, this exhibition seamlessly blends art into the cityscape, gracing the exterior and interior spaces of DIFC’s architectural marvels.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this cultural treasure is that it offers free entry to all, making art accessible to a diverse audience. This season, the park embraced the theme of ‘Tales Under the Gate,’ offering a captivating journey through “modern, futuristic, innovative, and cutting-edge artistic masterpieces” created by established and emerging artists, representing various art movements from around the world.

Visitors were greeted by awe-inspiring works, such as the towering “Spirit of Hathor” by Natalie Clark, a mesmerizing piece that stands as a testament to the park’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Additionally, the colossal head of Hercules, ingeniously reimagined as a DJ emerging from the grass outside the Gate Building by artist Emre Yusufi, added an element of whimsy and wonder to the park.

Local Emirati talent, Azza Al Qubaisi, proudly showcased her artwork titled “Between the Dunes,” a piece that pays homage to the natural beauty of the UAE while utilizing sustainable materials, underlining the park’s dedication to environmental consciousness.

For those seeking a touch of surrealism, the Sculpture Park was home to four stunning sculptures by the legendary Salvador Dali, including the enigmatic “Woman of Time.” Dali’s presence added an intriguing dimension to the park’s diverse artistic offerings.

As the sun sets on this season, it’s clear that DIFC’s Sculpture Park has succeeded in its mission to create an immersive and inclusive art experience for all. With its unique blend of global and local talent, it has enriched Dubai’s cultural landscape and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of art aficionados.

While the park’s second season will soon come to an end, its legacy of celebrating creativity, fostering artistic dialogue, and promoting accessibility to art will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists and art lovers alike. Don’t miss your chance to explore this extraordinary exhibition before its doors close on September 30, 2023.

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Nine female directors present their work, some of which are being screened in the UAE for the first time. The programme features stories and talent from and about the Arab world, representing 11 Arab countries.

Cinema Akil’s founder, Butheina Kazim, stated that the inaugural Arab Cinema Week “delivers on our aim of becoming the home of Arab indie cinema and filmmakers.”

Filmmakers can explore “their heartbreaks… their wins, their hardships, and their moments of personal pleasure” during the event, according to programme curator Rabih El-Khoury, which has been devised “to bring together a spectrum of subjects for Arab storytelling.”

The Alleys, the Bafta-winning debut film from Jordanian director Bassel Ghandour, kicks off the programme, which also focuses on Algerian films to commemorate the country’s 60th anniversary of independence. The programme will also include works from Somalia and a variety of Middle Eastern shorts.

On October 9, conversations will be held with renowned Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri and directors of various films.

‘Becoming’

An in-depth examination of the rapidly evolving society of the country is provided in five stories by five Saudi directors. In their respective films, directors Hind Alfahhad, Jowaher Alamri, Noor Alameer, Sara Mesfer, and Fatima Al-Banawi explore the Saudi identity and experience from both a subjective and a universal perspective.

‘The Battle of Algiers’

The Battle of Algiers by Gillo Pontecorvo is regarded as one of the most important political movies in history. A case study in contemporary warfare is the sombre 1966 documentary about the Algerian National Liberation Front’s struggle for independence against French colonisers in the 1950s and early 1960s.

The documentary has had a significant impact over time, and groups as diverse as the Black Panthers, the IRA, South African insurgents, and the George W. Bush administration in Iraq have all studied it.

‘The Alleys’

Ali, a hustler in East Amman, pretends to be a businessman to hide his relationship with girlfriend Lana. But when Aseel, Lana’s mother, is inexplicably blackmailed by a voyeur who has filmed the couple, their plot begins to unravel. Aseel turns to deadly criminal Abbas for assistance in order to shield her daughter and their reputation.

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Most of the events will take place at the Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, but some of the performances will also take place elsewhere. They are hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and organized by the Korean Culture Center in the UAE. The event’s goal is to introduce a larger audience to both traditional and contemporary Korean culture.

Korean Traditional Paintings exhibition

45 classic Korean paintings have been updated by young painters from the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage in Buyeo County. The artworks include brand-new paintings that depict both traditional Arab and Korean cultures. The Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will exhibit them.

‘6/45’ film screening

A 5.7 billion won winning lottery ticket is accidentally blown into North Korea by the wind in the 2022 South Korean comedy directed by Park Gyu-tae, which depicts a meeting between North and South Korean soldiers. Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Yi-kyung, Eum Moon-suk, Park Se-wan, and Kwak Dong-yeon are among the actors in the movie.

18th Emirates International Peace Music Festival

Yoeun Seol, a 10-year-old violin prodigy from South Korea, will perform in the UAE for the first time with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra. She started playing the violin when she was two years old, and she has since mastered it. Currently, she has around 87,000 subscribers on YouTube, where she posts videos of herself performing alone or with a band. As the date draws nearer, the location will be revealed.

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The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) programme Dubai Cares and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) India would also benefit from the fundraising, according to the event’s organizers.

The artworks for the auction came from artists all across the world. “The founder of Art be a Part, Medha Nanda, said this after the official launch event, which was attended by notable guests like Amal Al Redha, director of donor relations and partnerships at Dubai Cares, and Fairuz Taqi-Eddin, chief of partnerships and resource mobilization at UNICEF Gulf area office, Dubai.

“This is just the start, but we have received a wonderful response to the initiative, and I’m so grateful for all the support,” she added. “We have already drawn artists from a variety of nationalities, and in the next few years, we intend to extend our community and generate a beneficial influence throughout the world,” Nanda continued.

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‘New Orleans Harbor’ by Samia Halab

This exhibition’s title references the Chinese official credited as the inventor of the modern papermaking process and “assembles a group of artists who have used drawing and printmaking as primary media,” the gallery’s site states. Among them is acclaimed Palestinian artist Halaby, whose painted silkscreen proof is typical of her pioneering works of contemporary abstraction.

Nothing is Certain…’ by Athier Mousawi

“Nothing is Certain, Everything is Melting, and that’s Okay 14” is the full title of this piece, which echoes the gallery’s assessment of the work of this Iraqi artist as “studies of color and spatial composition.” It’s also a great illustration of how he frequently employs three-dimensional elements and finds a balance between fluid organic forms and hard-edged geometric shapes.

The Vanquished’ by Nihad Al-Turk

The exhibition describes “the persistence of man amid the power battles of good and evil” as one of the main themes of the Syrian artist’s work. Like this piece from 2015, his “labored portraits of dissident Syrians” “show the frantic nature of the painter’s hand as he depicts stylized figures with exquisite detail using a ballpoint pen.”

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