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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This annual festival invites Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists, creatives, and designers to participate by submitting their works across a variety of artistic mediums. The festival encompasses a broad spectrum of art forms, including visual arts, painting, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia, and culinary arts. It also features a comprehensive program of interactive workshops, musical and cinematic performances, and a series of talks and panel discussions aimed at enhancing the local cultural scene and reflecting global art trends.

Artists interested in showcasing their work at the festival must submit their applications by October. Following this, a panel of experts and seasoned artists will review the entries and select those that best meet the festival’s criteria.

We designed the open call to engage both established and emerging talents within the UAE and GCC, whether they work independently or as part of a collaborative group. Submit original, recent works that you have not previously exhibited at other festivals or events, and use environmentally friendly materials whenever possible. Detailed submission guidelines and the application form are available on the Dubai Culture website.

The Sikka Art & Design Festival is more than just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of diverse artistic expression and innovation. It aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global cultural hub, fostering creativity, and nurturing artistic talent. The festival not only provides a platform for showcasing creative works but also serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and community engagement.

Last year’s festival attracted an impressive 162,000 visitors who explored artworks displayed across 14 historic houses in Al Shindagha. With participation from over 500 artists and approximately 300 artworks, the festival offered a rich array of artistic and entertainment experiences. The success of the previous editions highlights the festival’s role in promoting cultural engagement and its growing importance in Dubai’s cultural calendar.

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