Spanish artist Tom Roy has been named the first international artist-in-residence at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, following a partnership with World Art Dubai.
This marks the hotel’s first collaboration with the regional art fair and a significant shift in its creative programme, previously focused on local artists.
Art meets hospitality
Roy, a former engineer and marketing executive turned full-time painter, was selected after participating in World Art Dubai 2025, where over 400 artists showcased work from more than 65 countries. His story—marked by a personal battle with lymphoma—alongside his bold, figurative style, stood out to the Radisson RED team.
“This year’s fair was full of breathtaking work, but our decision wasn’t based on the art alone,” said Nina Petridis, General Manager at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis. “Tom’s story, spirit, and unapologetic honesty aligned with who we are.”
Roy’s commissioned piece, titled Urban Pulse: Collective Energy, reflects the hotel’s ethos of combining art, fashion, and music. Unveiled on July 23 at the hotel, the work invites interaction and challenges traditional boundaries between viewer and canvas.
“It was important to me that the art lived within the space, not just on the wall,” Roy said. “I wanted guests to feel like they were inside the story, not just looking at it.”
Creative economy rising
The partnership underscores Dubai’s growing role in the global art scene. With the UAE’s Creative Economy Strategy targeting a 5% contribution to GDP by the end of 2025, and art-related tourism forecast to reach $3.6 billion by 2030, initiatives like these are gaining strategic importance.
“Partnering with World Art Dubai has allowed us to think bigger and help position Dubai as a launchpad for global talent,” Petridis added.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
