Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival Illuminates Expo City with Emirati Creativity
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Dhai Dubai, the inaugural Emirati-led light art festival, has commenced its luminous 10-day program at Expo City Dubai, captivating audiences with a dazzling celebration of the rich artistic tapestry of the Emirates. The free-to-attend festival, created and organized by Expo City Dubai in collaboration with AGB Creative and supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will unfold its mesmerizing displays from January 26 to February 4.
The launch event, graced by the presence of Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, witnessed the unveiling of awe-inspiring artistic projections, interactive installations, enlightening talks, and creative workshops. Curated by Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director at Expo City Dubai, and Anthony Bastic AM, CEO Executive Creative Director at AGB Creative, the festival showcases the talent of seven renowned Emirati artists and designers.
Artists contributing to the inaugural event include Mattar Bin Lahej, renowned for designing the calligraphic façade on the Museum of the Future; Dr. Najat Makki, a pioneering artist honored with the French Chevalier of Arts and Letters; Dr. Mohamed Yousef, co-founder of Emirates Fine Arts Society; Abdulla Almulla, a designer who participated in last year’s London Design Biennale and Dubai Design Week; Maitha Hamdan, a multi-disciplinary artist; Khalid Al Shafar, an esteemed designer known for collaborations with LASVIT and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum; and Reem Al Ghaith, a celebrated visual artist.
The iconic dome of Al Wasl Plaza, spanning 130 meters wide and 67.5 meters tall, with a 360-degree projection surface, will come alive with a series of special projection shows titled “Sisters of the Desert.” Inspired by the work of the late Emirati artist Dhabia Juma Lamlah, the show symbolizes resilience and cross-cultural connectivity, featuring special guests Australian artist Rene Kulitja and South African artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu.
In alignment with Dubai’s commitment to humanitarianism, Dhai Dubai collaborates with the Expo Live award-winning Liter of Light initiative. The festival supports the distribution of light lanterns to the floating villages of Agusan Marsh in the Philippines, in collaboration with Liter of Light. Festival-goers can also pledge contributions to Liter of Light’s mission in communities across the Philippines, Kenya, Cameroon, and India.
The festival encourages interactive engagement with art, featuring the Speed of Light skate park by XDubai, elevated by illustrations from prominent Emirati artist Aysha Al Hamrani. Dhai Dubai not only illuminates the city with artistic brilliance but also exemplifies the transformative power of light in fostering global connections and humanitarian endeavors.
