Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced its participation in the 22nd edition of DIFC Art Nights, organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), providing artists and creative practitioners with new opportunities to share their perspectives and engage with audiences. The participation reflects the Authority’s commitment to strengthening the cultural and artistic sector and encouraging artistic practices that draw on local identity while embracing developments in contemporary practice. These efforts reinforce Dubai’s position as a global cultural reference, a leader in innovation and a driver of the creative economy, rooted in Emirati heritage.

Taking place from 12 to 15 November 2026 at Gate Village, DIFC Art Nights is held in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture. Its programme of installations, visual experiences and workshops will invite audiences to engage with art and discover contemporary interpretations of Emirati heritage. As part of its participation, Dubai Culture will present three interactive artworks in collaboration with Seeds Creative Studio, each drawing on shared cultural memory. ‘Rababat Al Ruwayyah’ transforms the melodies of the traditional rababa instrument into visual compositions that respond to visitors’ movements. ‘Dubai by Lantern Light’ invites audiences to discover the city’s stories and landmarks through the light of the traditional fanar lantern. ‘Majlis of Light’ evokes the Emirati environment through responsive light displays that reveal the beauty of palm trees and local decorative motifs.

The event coincides with Dubai’s hosting of the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026 Dubai), set to be the largest edition in the symposium’s history. To mark the occasion, Dubai Culture will host a discussion titled ‘ISEA2026 in Dubai’. Participants will include Janet Bellotto, Executive and Strategic Director of ISEA2026 and Dean of the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University; members of the symposium’s curatorial team, Jalal Luqman, Anna Seaman, Nada Altaher, Giuseppe Moscatello and Nasser Abdulla; and artist Sabrina Guechetouli. Moderated by curator Esra Ozkan, the session will explore how the international symposium was brought to Dubai and its role in connecting the local creative community with artists and researchers worldwide. The discussion will also introduce the symposium’s academic and artistic programmes, exploring perspectives and experiences at the intersection of art, science and technology, as well as opportunities for collaboration and artistic experimentation.

Dubai Culture will also offer workshops that invite visitors to explore artistic techniques and create their own works. The programme includes ‘Abstract Art Tote Bags’, inspired by the work of Piet Mondrian and Alexander Calder; ‘Velvet Arabic Calligraphy’, exploring the artistic possibilities of Arabic letterforms using coloured velvet powder; and ‘Abstract Printmaking’, in which participants will use shapes, patterns and hand stamps to create visual compositions. Together, the workshops will make artistic experimentation accessible to a wider audience.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted DIFC Art Nights’ role in enriching the local cultural scene. She said: “DIFC Art Nights reflects the vibrancy of Dubai’s artistic landscape and its capacity to embrace diverse forms of creative expression. By creating spaces for dialogue and discovery, the event brings art closer to the public and encourages people to engage with it, affirming the role of the arts in enhancing quality of life.” Al Suwaidi added that Dubai Culture’s participation reflects its commitment to investing in creative talent, helping artists develop their skills and expand their professional networks. She also emphasised the importance of strong partnerships in encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for artistic production, collaboration and knowledge exchange, supporting the growth and sustainability of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.