Dhai Dubai, the inaugural Emirati-led light art festival, is set to captivate audiences at Expo City Dubai with an array of cultural activities. Dhai Dubai invites visitors to experience seven stunning light art installations that reflect the diverse narratives and creative expressions of the city. Running from 26 January to 4 February, 2024, the festival promises an engaging program suitable for all ages. Attendees can enjoy talks, educational workshops, impressive projections, and immersive experiences throughout the event.
The Festival Will Pay Homage To The Late Dhabia Juma Lamlah
Dhai Dubai pays homage to Emirati women who have significantly impacted Dubai's and the UAE's art scene. The festival spotlights the late Dhabia Juma Lamlah, an artist who overcame physical challenges to express herself through art.
The Sisters of The Desert Projections, a series of projections at Al Wasl Plaza, honours Dhabia and other creative sisters globally who share her resilience and passion for art. The dome of Al Wasl Plaza will transform into a canvas displaying Lamlah's art alongside works from international guest artists such as Rene Kulitja from Australia and Dr. Esther Mahlangu from South Africa, showcasing the universal power of art to unite cultures.
Dhai Dubai extends its impact beyond art with Liter of Light, a joint mission supporting the Expo Live award-winning global movement. In collaboration with the Liter of Light initiative, the festival aims to provide solar lighting to communities with limited access to electricity.
Workshops during the festival will create solar lights that will be distributed to the Manobo Floating Villages of the Agusan Marsh in the Philippines. Visitors can also pledge contributions for similar initiatives in the Philippines, Kenya, Cameroon, and India, emphasising the festival's commitment to using light for artistic expression and humanitarian causes.
The festival includes immersive experiences like Solar Canopy, where guests cycling on stationary bikes power an interactive visual spectacle, and Elysian Arcs, an immersive blend of curved structures exploring the interplay of colour, light, and human emotions. Additionally, Dhai Dubai offers a Knowledge Programme, allowing visitors to participate in discussions about art and culture, gain professional insights, and enjoy interactive workshops.