Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has opened the 14th edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, bringing together hundreds of artists, designers and creatives from the UAE and the wider region.
The festival runs until February 1 and is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture.
Festival opens in Al Shindagha
Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026 features more than 450 creatives, showcasing around 250 artworks across 16 heritage houses. The programme spans visual art, design, sculpture, installations and interactive experiences inspired by the theme “Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future.”
The festival forms part of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy and aims to support the creative economy while strengthening the local cultural ecosystem.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture and Festival Director, said the event reflects the authority’s ongoing support for the arts sector.
She said: “The Sikka Art & Design Festival has proven its standing as an exceptional event that champions creativity, evolving into a leading platform for contemporary creative practice. It opens new horizons for talented individuals, enabling them to take an active role and present their work, while creating space for dialogue and knowledge exchange with peers from the region and around the world.”
She added that the current edition stands out for the originality of its concepts and the expanded space it offers for experimentation.
This year’s festival is curated by a group of regional and international specialists across themed houses, including public art, visual arts, art and technology, ceramics, photography, design, urban studies, culinary arts and academic research. The International House highlights Japan, curated by Takram.
As part of Dubai Art Season, the festival unveiled 11 murals across the area, alongside seven interactive public artworks and six large-scale installations. These works align with Dubai Culture’s Public Art Strategy, aimed at enhancing the city’s visual landscape.
The programme includes more than 500 workshops delivered in collaboration with the Sikka Platform, Al Shindagha Museum and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, in addition to over 30 panel discussions on global art trends.
The main stage at Dubai Creek will host about 55 live music performances, including 10 orchestral concerts and choirs, with participation from 21 heritage and cultural museums.
Food and retail spaces
Visitors can explore offerings from more than 41 food and beverage vendors and shop at 45 local retail outlets showcasing art-inspired and heritage-based products. The festival also features nine curated supper clubs led by well-known chefs.
Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children is participating with interactive workshops and exhibitions for families, covering ceramics, visual arts, theatre and design. Activities include the Safina Stage, live performances, the Future Stars competition, and a collaborative community mural titled “Circles Together.”
The centre’s Ceramics House showcases works by Emirati artists, UAE residents, and participants from youth and inclusive programmes, highlighting a wide range of contemporary practices.
