Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the return of Sikka Art & Design Festival for its 14th edition, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. The festival will take place from 23 January to 1 February 2026 at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, with more than 450 creatives and artists participating from the UAE, the region, and around the world.
Under the theme ‘Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future,’ Sikka brings together a wide range of art forms, celebrating established and emerging creatives from the UAE and the Gulf, while also spotlighting international artistic perspectives through the International Houses showcase, reflecting Dubai Culture’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Held as part of Dubai Art Season, the event will present a multidisciplinary programme spanning visual arts, performing arts, design, public art, and technology, supporting the growth of the cultural and creative industries and highlighting the richness of local talent. More than 250 artworks will be showcased across 16 houses, offering a diverse range of artistic disciplines shaped by the festival theme.
Curation across this edition is led by: Moza Lootah (Public Art House and Visual Art House); Esra Ozkan (Art & Tech House); Kamal Al Zoubi (Ceramics House); Ahlam AlBannai (Photography House); Saeed Alketbi and Majedah Alawadhi (Design House); Yara Ayoob (Khaleeji House); Ahmad Makary (Urban House); Alanood Bukhammas and Zena Adhami (Institutional House); Noura Al Falahi (Culinary House); and Kotaro Watanabe (International House).
The festival will host a wide range of daily workshops and talks led by a distinguished and diverse group of speakers and creatives, discussing key topics and offering hands-on learning opportunities for both adults and children. The programme will also unveil new murals aligned with the Dubai Public Art Strategy. Visitors can enjoy artistic performances and live music, as well as supper clubs, a food market, and curated homegrown retail outlets. These participationsprovide dedicated opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell products inspired by culture and creativity.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the festival’s continued success underscores its growing influence on the local and regional arts landscape, positioning Sikka as a platform that inspires the community and supports the growth of the wider creative sector. She said: “Since its launch, Sikka Art & Design Festival has become an integral part of Dubai’s arts ecosystem, thanks to its ability to nurture emerging talent, open new horizons for artists, and encourage them to share their ideas and perspectives through new work that reflects the richness of the local landscape. This aligns with our sectoral priorities to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global hub for the creative economy.”
She added: “Sikka stands out for its integrated, community-led model that goes beyond the traditional exhibition format. It creates space for exploration, dialogue, and collaboration across disciplines, while strengthening direct engagement between artists, creative practitioners, and the public.”
The festival’s theme draws on the city’s past and its character as a place shaped by movement and reinvention. It invites reflection on how Dubai’s cultural identity continues to evolve, encouraging imagination and experimentation while staying anchored in history and everyday life. In doing so, it reflects the dynamic relationship between heritage and the people who carry it forward.
