Dubai, 12th February 2026 – The 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, attracted more than 200,000 visitors, solidifying its reputation as one of the emirate’s leading cultural drivers.
Bringing together over 1,000 creatives from the UAE and the Gulf, including 426 artists and 12 curators, the festival showcased the thriving talent pool in the region. Its dynamic programme featured 350 musicians, over 80 workshop facilitators, and 86 speakers and experts. Visitors also enjoyed a diverse selection of retailers, innovative food concepts, and participations from numerous chefs.
According to Khuloud Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture and Director of the festival, the results reflect “Sikka’s role in supporting the cultural and creative industries ecosystem, providing platforms for established and emerging artists to showcase their work, exchange expertise and build professional networks.”
This year’s theme, “Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future,” saw more than 250 artworks exhibited across 16 specialised houses, encompassing the GCC House, Urban Culture House, Design House, Photography House, Visual Arts House, Culinary House, as well as the International House, Art & Tech House, and Ceramics House.
The festival also highlighted 13 murals inspired by Dubai’s identity and cultural memory, complemented by large-scale outdoor installations in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, as part of Dubai’s Public Art Strategy.
Visitors participated in more than 950 workshops, listened to over 40 talks and panel discussions, and enjoyed approximately 55 live musical performances and 10 orchestral and choir shows. Local talent was further spotlighted through participation by 43 local food and beverage concepts, 52 local retailers, and 9 curated supper clubs led by renowned chefs.
This edition also showcased outcomes from Sikka Platform’s 2025 programmes, including interactive installations, 10 short animation films, and curatorial debuts from three participants in the Curatorial Foundation Programme. Volunteers played a pivotal role throughout, assisting with organisation and guiding visitors as part of Dubai Art Season.
The festival’s results underscore Dubai’s commitment to nurturing its cultural and creative industries and providing a major stage for artistic innovation and community engagement.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
