Running until 9 February, the festival features over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling, and traditional crafts. The event supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, ensuring a rich cultural experience for attendees. The festival’s sessions are led by industry experts and artists, offering valuable insights and practical training. Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, has been transformed into a dynamic hub for creativity.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Hands-On Artistic Workshops

The festival offers workshops tailored to various creative disciplines. Emerging City is hosting Gypsum Art, where participants explore gypsum carving techniques. The Traditional Jewellery House presents Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace), providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments.

Visitors at the People and Faith House can join Henna Stencil and Prayer Bead Crafting sessions. The Traditional Crafts House introduces Spindle, a workshop on hand-weaving using traditional tools.

At House 355 – Masterpieces, creativity takes center stage with Graffiti Art: Express Yourself with Spray Paint, where participants learn graffiti fundamentals from a professional artist. House 341 – Realiity House offers Doodles & AI, transforming simple sketches into digital art using artificial intelligence. The Glitch Art session explores creative distortions inspired by digital effects.

Workshops at House 314 by Sxill Lab include Handmade Tile Making and Cheese Board Design. Meanwhile, House 326 – Sikka Platform presents sustainability-focused sessions such as Sustainability Now: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Perfume Making for Adults. At House 15, Tashkeel hosts modern printing workshops like Hand Printing on Bags and Riso Printing.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Music, Writing, and Storytelling

At House 196 – Urban House by The Workshop DXB, singer Shilpa Ananth leads Unlocking Authenticity: The Psychology of Songwriting. The session delves into emotional and experiential influences on songwriting, helping participants refine their music composition skills.

The Merin Pavilion hosts Letters to the City: Writing Public Spaces, where attendees reflect on meaningful locations in Dubai by writing personalized messages dedicated to them.

Inspiring Talks and Creative Discussions

The festival includes Sikka Speaks, a dedicated space featuring leading creatives discussing industry trends. Highlights include:

• Creative Minds: Art Therapy for Young Explorers – Art therapist Caline Boghos guides children through therapeutic practices and imaginative play.
• Immersive Magic: Where Art, Music, and Technology Transform Experiences – A panel featuring Anna Lebedeva, Jalal Luqman, Maryam Al Obeidli, Denis Rosiev, Evgenia Romanidi, and Nicholas Mann, moderated by Elias Attallah.
• Decoding Humour: The Art of Multicultural Comedy in Dubai – Featuring comedians Shadi Jad and Saniya Abbas, moderated by Liz Baines.
• Artistic Intervention in Satwa: Tracing Urban Nostalgia – A discussion led by Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari.
• Go Global! International Opportunities & Strategies for Dubai-Based Artists – Moderated by Sophie Mayuko, featuring Sanaz Askari, Giuseppe Moscatello, and Behrang Samadzadkan.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is organized in partnership with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development. This collaborative effort ensures a world-class platform for artists, designers, and cultural enthusiasts.

With an extensive lineup of workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025 continues to establish Dubai as a leading creative and cultural hub.

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Eng. Bader Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Antiquities Department at Dubai Culture, affirmed the Authority’s dedication to actively participating in specialised archaeology conference and events to highlight Dubai’s archaeological sites’ historical and scientific value, saying: “Conferences provide inspiring platforms and academic environments to present key archaeological research and discoveries. This supports the Authority’s efforts to preserve Dubai’s cultural heritage and shed light on its rich archaeological treasures, reflecting its authenticity and deep-rooted history. The emirate is home to numerous archaeological sites, whose findings showcase Dubai’s historical role as a cultural hub, making it a global destination for researchers and archaeology enthusiasts.”

Dubai Culture presented four research studies at the conference, highlighting significant discoveries and insights. One of the studies, titled ‘Recent Discoveries at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site’, was prepared by Dr Mansour Boraik. The paper detailed excavation efforts by Dubai Culture’s Antiquities Department at Saruq Al Hadid, uncovering artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages, and spotlighted findings from Saruq-53 area, including a site of charcoal manufacturing in the Iron Age, in addition to the discovery of many important artefacts, including a cache containing more than 120 different objects.

Archaeologist Mariam Al Suwaidi presented ‘Preliminary Study of Recent Discoveries at Margham Archaeological Site’, offering insights into some the site’s discoveries, including a unique tomb structure built with local stone blocks. The findings inside the tomb included funerary artefacts believed to date back to the Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

The third study titled ‘Unveiling Inscriptions on Bronze Artifacts from Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site’, presented by conservator Zainab Salmeen, shed light on restoring bronze artefacts from the Iron Age. These artefacts, including weapons and daily life tools, featured engravings of animals, reptiles, geometric patterns, and human feet, suggesting their use for religious or decorative purposes.

In collaboration with Dubai Culture, Dr Amal Al Qasim from the University of Cologne, Germany, presented the fourth study titled ‘Neolithic Arrowheads and Bronze Age Tool Industries at Saruq Al Hadid’. The study analysed stone tools from the mid-Holocene period, linking them to the Neolithic settlement in Saruq Al Hadid. Similarities between these tools and those found on Abu Dhabi’s Marawah and Ghagha Islands and Sharjah’s Jebel Faya prompted a revaluation of migration theories during the mid-Holocene drought.

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A Glimpse into Dubai’s Heritage

Dubai’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its history as a small fishing and trading village. The Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, is a perfect starting point for those interested in exploring this rich past. Exhibits showcase traditional Bedouin life, pearl diving, and the city’s transformation over the years.

The historic district of Al Bastakiya, with its narrow lanes and wind-tower architecture, provides a picturesque snapshot of old Dubai. Here, visitors can explore art galleries, quaint cafes, and traditional markets, known as souks. The Spice Souk and Gold Souk are particularly popular, offering a sensory overload of aromas and glittering treasures.

Modern Marvels

Contrasting sharply with its historical sites, Dubai is also known for its futuristic skyline and modern attractions. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers globally, is not just a retail paradise but also features attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain.

Cultural tourism in Dubai also includes contemporary cultural hubs such as the Dubai Opera and the Etihad Museum. These venues host a variety of performances, exhibitions, and events that showcase both local and international talent.

Blending Tradition with Modernity

What makes Dubai truly special is how it blends its cultural heritage with modern advancements. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival highlight this fusion, offering traditional Emirati experiences alongside global trends. Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional Emirati cuisine and international gourmet dishes, all within the same city.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) plays a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange. Through guided tours, cultural meals, and educational programs, the center helps visitors understand and appreciate Emirati traditions and customs.

Cultural Activities and Events

Dubai hosts a variety of cultural activities and events throughout the year. The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and Art Dubai are significant events that attract artists and enthusiasts from around the world. These events showcase the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene.

For those interested in traditional performances, the Heritage Village offers demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and dance. Visitors can watch artisans at work and enjoy folk performances that provide a deeper understanding of Emirati culture.

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During its participation at the Dubai Government Pavilion, Dubai Culture showcased an array of its finest cultural assets including Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, that narrates Dubai’s unique story, its origins, and the traditional lifestyle that was prevalent from the mid-19th century to the 1970s. Spread across 22 pavilions across over 80 houses designed to global standards, the museum presents a diverse array of artefacts, films, and old photographs, with contributions from over 100 local community members, rendering it a unique cultural heritage experience.

The Authority also introduced visitors to its stand the Etihad Museum, which documents the establishment of the nation and celebrates the legacy of the founding fathers’ commitment and national spirit. The site takes visitors on a unique journey to explore the chronology of events leading up to the declaration of the UAE in 1971. Through interactive exhibitions and educational programmes, it tells the story from the point of view of the state’s leaders and enriches the knowledge of the country’s constitution, especially the rights and privileges it grants to citizens and their entailing responsibilities. Etihad Museum is distinguished by seven columns symbolizing the number of pens used to sign the union document and contains a library, educational centre and a temporary exhibition hall.

The Authority organised an exhibition within the VIP Majlis at ATM, featuring five art pieces titled ‘Twin Peaks’, ‘Mountainside Farming’, ‘Colossal’, ‘Environmental Brutalism’, and ‘Against All Odds’ by Emirati artist Ammar Al Banna, which expresses his unique perspective on the environment, nature and local heritage. Through this exhibition, Dubai Culture aimed to empower local talent, showcase their achievements and strengthen Dubai’s cultural and creative industries, encouraging cultural tourism in the region.

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ShahulHameed’s artistic voyage began at a tender age when he discovered his innate love for painting. Despite hailing from a family deeply entrenched in farming and agriculture, his passion for art prevailed. Though devoid of formal training, his innate talent and unwavering dedication have propelled him to the forefront of the artistic realm, carving a niche for himself in the world of abstract artistry.

Visions on Canvas: A Mélange of Emotions and Expressions

ShahulHameed’s artistic oeuvre is a vivid tapestry of colours, emotions, and experiences. His penchant for abstract art, characterized by bold graphics and a harmonious play of colours, reflects his love for the medium. Transitioning from traditional canvases to expansive murals, ShahulHameed embraced the limitless possibilities offered by large-format images. Each mural, towering over a foot high, stands as a testament to his artistic vision and mastery.

Beyond the vibrant hues and intricate designs lies a deeper narrative—a reflection of everyday instances, experiences, and emotions. ShahulHameed’s art resonates with a sense of familiarity, evoking nostalgia and inviting viewers to embark on a visual journey through his world. His creations, whether portraying the swift advancements in artificial intelligence in Dubai or capturing the essence of Kerala’s serene landscapes, encapsulate the essence of the moment, rendering them timeless.

Influenced by renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas, ShahulHameed’s work pays homage to their determination to carve a unique niche in the world of art. Drawing inspiration from their distinctive styles and perspectives, he has crafted his versions, blending tradition with innovation.

Bridging Cultures: Artistic Endeavors in the Heart of Dubai

ShahulHameed’s artistic prowess has garnered international acclaim, particularly in the vibrant city of Dubai. Commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his work ‘Awakening’ at the World Art Dubai showcased the city’s technological advancements juxtaposed with its rich heritage. His mural at the iconic Dera Waterfront Market, a fusion of traditional and modern elements, encapsulates Dubai’s essence—a nation progressing while cherishing its roots.

Despite the allure of Dubai’s fast-paced life, ShahulHameed’s art remains deeply rooted in his village memories from Palakkad. His exhibitions in Kerala and Bangalore stand as a testament to his commitment to celebrating his roots while embracing innovation.

For ShahulHameed, art is not just a profession—it’s a calling, a way of life. As he embarks on his journey, his vision is clear: to traverse lands, explore diverse cultures, and bring his art to communities far and wide. With a focus on murals and street art, he aspires to make art accessible to all, bridging cultures, and fostering connections through creativity.

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