Dubai is now home to an exciting new immersive light show, and the best part is, it’s completely free! The ‘Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival’ held at Expo City Dubai is a magnificent celebration of light, art, and culture, showcasing interactive light art installations created by renowned Emirati artists.
This captivating light festival was inaugurated on Friday, January 26, and will continue to dazzle visitors until Sunday, February 4. With a total of seven stunning light installations, the festival beautifully captures the heritage and essence of Dubai.
What sets this festival apart is the opportunity for visitors to not only admire the light displays but also to touch, move, and interact with them, creating a truly immersive experience. It’s a chance to engage with art in a whole new way, allowing individuals to become an integral part of the artistic expression.
But that’s not all! Alongside the mesmerizing light displays, the festival also offers free arts and crafts workshops for children. This provides a wonderful opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity and learn about different art forms.
So, whether you’re a lover of art and culture, or simply looking for a unique and enchanting experience, the ‘Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival’ is a must-visit event. Immerse yourself in the magic of light, be captivated by the talent of Emirati artists, and create lasting memories at this extraordinary celebration of art and culture.
Watch light projections on the iconic Al Wasl Plaza dome
Al Wasl Plaza, an impressive structure measuring 130 meters in width and 67.5 meters in height, boasts a remarkable 360-degree projection surface. This magnificent plaza is set to captivate audiences with a series of extraordinary projection shows known as Sisters of the Desert.
Drawing inspiration from the artistic legacy of the late Emirati artist, Dhabia Juma Lamlah, who triumphed over her physical limitations by creating over 200 remarkable artworks, this show promises to be a true testament to her indomitable spirit.
Moreover, Sisters of the Desert showcases a unique collaboration between artists hailing from Australia, South Africa, and beyond, resulting in a truly multicultural and diverse experience.
Light displays
The festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to not only witness captivating installations but also engage with three remarkable displays:
- Speed of Light Skate Park – Created by Emirati artist Aysha Al Hamrani, this display presents skateboarding as a form of artistic expression.
- Solar Canopy – An interactive light installation that harnesses the power of visitors pedaling on stationary bikes.
- Elysian Arcs – This display beckons guests to stroll beneath an inflatable tunnel structure, immersing themselves in a harmonious fusion of vibrant hues and radiant illumination.
Six free workshops for children
The workshops are conducted daily from 6 to 11 PM throughout the festival.
1. Kaleidoscope Craft
Children are instructed in the art of crafting kaleidoscopes, an engaging activity tailored for youngsters aged six to twelve.
2. Recycled Radiance: Upcycled Luminaries
Children utilize a diverse range of recycled materials to construct captivating light sculptures.
3. Solar Lanterns
Children have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by crafting their very own lanterns using recycled materials and solar-powered LED lights.
4. Glow Jars
Children create vibrant lanterns using recycled jars, biodegradable paper and LED tea lights.
5. Glow in the dark painting
In this engaging activity, children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by crafting captivating glow-in-the-dark artwork using black paper and vibrant neon paints.
6. Colourful shadows
In this engaging workshop, children will have the opportunity to learn the art of shadow creation and the techniques involved in tracing or drawing around them.
How to get there
Expo City Dubai can be conveniently reached through various modes of transportation, including the Dubai Metro, taxis, or private vehicles.
By Dubai Metro:
To reach the Expo 2020 Metro Station, simply board the Dubai Metro Red Line.
By car:
To reach Expo City Dubai by car, follow the Expo Road (E77) which can be accessed from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54).
Keep an eye out for the road signs directing you to the designated parking areas for Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability.
By taxi:
Expo City Dubai offers a convenient taxi pick-up and drop-off location. Taxis can be easily booked through popular ride-hailing services such as Careem, Uber, or S’hail. Additionally, the Careem app provides the option to book Hala Taxi, which offers a more cost-effective way to access Dubai’s public taxi service.
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