DUBAI, UAE – Dhai Dubai, the first-ever Emirati-led light art festival, has launched its illuminating 10-day program at Expo City Dubai.
The event celebrates the rich artistic tapestry of Emirati through a series of awe-inspiring artistic projections, interactive installations, enlightening talks and creative workshops.
The free-to-attend festival is created and organized by Expo City Dubai, in partnership with AGB Creative and supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and will run from January 26 to February 4.
The launch was attended by Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts Literature Sector at Dubai Culture from Dubai Culture, the curators Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director at Expo City Dubai, and Anthony Bastic AM, CEO Executive Creative Director at AGB Creative in addition to local and international media.
The attendees were taken into a journey of lights and music, stopping at each light art installations by seven renowned Emirati artists and designers.
Artists lighting up the inaugural event include Mattar Bin Lahej, known for designing the calligraphic façade on the Museum of the Future; pioneering artist Dr Najat Makki, honoured with the French Chevalier of Arts and Letters; Emirates Fine Arts Society co-founder Dr Mohamed Yousef; designer Abdulla Almulla, who participated in last year’s London Design Biennale and Dubai Design Week; multi-disciplinary artist Maitha Hamdan; esteemed designer Khalid Al Shafar, renowned for his collaborations with LASVIT and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum; and visual artist Reem Al Ghaith.
Meanwhile, Al Wasl Plaza’s iconic dome, spanning 130 metres wide and 67.5 metres tall, with a 360-degree projection surface, will come to life with a series of special projection shows titled Sisters of the Desert.
The show is inspired by the exceptional work of the late Emirati artist, Dhabia Juma Lamlah, who embodied the resilient soul of Dubai.
Dhabia Juma Lamlah defied her inability to use her right hand and communicate through speech, by expressing herself through more than 200 remarkable artworks.
Reflecting Dubai’s spirit of multicultural collaboration, the show also features special guests, Australian artist Rene Kulitja and South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu, who weave together a narrative of resilience and cross-cultural connectivity, using art to bridge people separated by seemingly vast distances.
In keeping with Dubai’s dedication to humanitarianism, and Dhai Dubai’s firm belief in the transformational power of light, the festival has collaborated with the Expo Live award-winning Liter of Light initiative – a global, grassroots movement that uses affordable, accessible materials to provide high-quality solar lighting to those with limited or no access to electricity.
The festival will be supporting light lanterns to be distributed to the floating villages of Agusan Marsh in the Philippines.
Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to pledge to contribute toward Liter of Light’s mission in communities across the Philippines, Kenya, Cameroon, and India.
As part of the festival’s people-powered activities, skating turns into an art form at the Speed of Light skate park by XDubai, elevated by illustrations from prominent Emirati artist, Aysha Al Hamrani.
Saeed Mubarak Kharbash Al Marri said, “The inaugural Dhai Dubai light art festival is a welcome addition to Dubai’s expanding creative economy. We encourage visitors to explore the artists’ diverse perspectives on the city, its landscapes and its values.”
He said, “This enlightening cultural experience reflects Dubai Culture’s efforts to support creatives’ efforts to reflect the emirate’s creative identity, values, and heritage.”
Amna Abulhoul said, “We add another bright light to our vibrant city. Dhai Dubai is designed and curated as a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the city and country we call home.”
Anthony Bastic AM, added, “Dhai Dubai is a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into the narratives of those who call this fascinating country home. Together, these artists and designers will illuminate various facets of Emirati and Arab culture, expressing the region’s rich depth of cultural and creative heritage through one of the most exciting contemporary creative mediums.”
A series of enlightening talks will offer deeper insights into the festival’s themes as part of its Knowledge Program.
Curious minds can also join the festival’s creative workshops, including a Lens and Light masterclass that offers attendees a lesson on how to paint with light through photography.
Families are also welcome to experience over 20 activities and workshops for children designed to unleash their creativity.