The Sikka Art & Design Festival will take place from January 31 to February 9, 2025, at Al Shindagha Historic District. Organized by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy and curated by Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, the festival continues to provide a platform for Emirati, UAE, and GCC-based artists to showcase their work and engage with the wider creative community.
The festival will feature over 40 public art pieces and installations spread across 19 houses, courtyards, alleyways, and along Dubai Creek. In addition to showcasing diverse art forms, the festival will include three houses and two courtyards dedicated to talent development, along with a space for people of determination to display their creativity. Thirteen murals created by renowned artists will be featured as part of Dubai Culture’s Public Art Strategy, supporting the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces through art.
The programme for this year’s edition includes over 450 workshops, talks, and panel discussions, more than 100 live performances, 13 theatrical productions, and six orchestral performances. Among the highlights are performances by the Firdaus Orchestra under the guidance of composer A.R. Rahman, the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Dubai City Sound Ensemble.
The festival will introduce new initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural experience for visitors. The ‘World Stage Design House’ will offer theatre performances and specialized workshops, while ‘Merin’ Public Art Pavilion will focus on architectural aesthetics. ‘Creatives on Wheels’ will present a unique theatrical journey combining mobile shadow play and music. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience a range of culinary offerings from over 50 homegrown F&B vendors, including the ‘House of Saffron,’ which will host exclusive supper clubs led by nine renowned chefs.
Last year, the festival attracted nearly 162,000 visitors and showcased the work of 500 artists. The upcoming edition aims to build on this success by continuing to support and highlight regional creative talent. The festival is free to attend and open to all visitors.
