- Dhai Dubai, the first-ever Emirati-led light art festival, prepares a line-up of cultural activities set to immerse visitors at Expo City Dubai and Al Wasl Plaza starting tomorrow.
- The 10-day festival will feature an immersive program of interactive experiences, talks, workshops, and activities.
- It is free to attend and welcomes visitors of all ages to explore, learn, and engage with light in a way that is both profound and playful.
- The event is partnering with Liter of Light to provide high-quality solar lighting to disadvantaged communities.
Dhai Dubai invites visitors to engage with seven magnificent light art installations, reflecting the city’s rich tapestry of narratives and creative expressions.
Running from January 26 to February 4, 2024, Dhai Dubai welcomes guests of all ages to an illuminating series of talks, educational workshops, stunning projections, and immersive experiences.
Liter of Light, on a mission to brighten lives, is teaming up with Expo City Dubai for the spectacular Dhai Dubai Light Festival—the first-ever Emirati-led light art festival! This is big news because it marks the first time a Filipino organization is a strategic partner of Expo City Dubai.
- When? January 26 to February 4, 6-11pm daily
- Where? Expo City, Al Wasl Dome
This will be an amazing way to experience immersive light art and installations from renowned Emirati artists.Â
Liter of Light will run a campaign to invite Filipinos in the UAE to help spread light and hope to communities back home.
What is ‘Liter of Light?’
Liter of Light is a global, grassroots movement, born in the Philippines, committed to providing affordable, sustainable solar light to people with limited or no access to electricity. The organization is also an Expo Live award-winning global movement.
What can you do?
🛍 Visit our booth
🛠 Join our workshops
💙 Make pledges to support Liter of Light’s work
Your pledges will help empower over 1,600 families in the Manobo floating villages of the Agusan Marsh in Mindanao.
Fun Challenges and Workshops
To raise awareness about this campaign, the group is challenging us to build one simple solar light.
You will be provided with a solar light kit and an online workshop with a trainer just for you, so you can make a difference all from the comfort of your home.
Once your light is ready, record a video, share it on social media, and challenge your friends to visit the festival, attend our workshop, and make pledges to light up lives.Â
It only takes 30 minutes, and the solar light you create will brighten a family’s life for the next five years, reducing carbon emissions by a whopping 1000 kg! 🌏
Light to the World
Visitors will also have the opportunity to pledge a contribution to other locations across the Philippines, Kenya, Cameroon, and India. This collaboration aligns with the festival’s belief in the power of light to influence not only artistic expression but daily life, uplifting communities, and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
About Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival
The Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival is a celebration of light, art, and culture that will take place for the first time in January 2024 at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai. It aims to create an immersive and enriching experience that celebrates the spirit and culture of Dubai and the UAE. In addition to the awe-inspiring displays, the festival offers diverse, engaging talks and interactive workshops, providing a deeper immersion into the artistry and cultural significance of each creation. Together, these create a holistic showcase of remarkable local artists while creating an unforgettable experience for visitors worldwide.
Immersive Experiences at the Festival
Beyond the central artworks, a series of dynamic and responsive light art experiences will be featured.
- Solar Canopy, an interactive visual spectacle, is fueled by the movements of guests cycling on stationary bikes, creating a unique experience where visitors’ presence and energy literally illuminate the space.
- Elysian Arcs presents a serene and seamless blend of immersive curved structures, traversing the delicate line between color, light, and our own human emotions and perceptions.
- Sun Dance is an installation that comes to life with every move, creating a captivating dance of light that mirrors visitors’ actions. A playful yet magical reminder of our intrinsic connection to art and our surroundings.
- Speed of Light by XDubai is where skateboarding transcends into an art form. This installation epitomizes the spirit of Dubai’s urban culture and youthful energy, offering an electrifying experience for both skaters and spectators. Speed of Light features designs and illustrations by the renowned Emirati artist, Aysha Al Hamrani.
Educational Talks and Workshops
Dhai Dubai also offers a Knowledge Programme, where visitors can engage in deep discussions around art and culture, gain professional insights, and enjoy interactive workshops.
The event features nightly talks from cultural leaders and artists, providing a deeper understanding of the artistry and cultural significance behind each illuminated creation.
The Lens and Light Masterclass, hosted by Nikon, invites participants to learn how to create exquisite light paintings by combining motion blur techniques with lights using a DLSR camera. Cameras will be provided for participants to practice with, though guests are also welcome to bring their own.
Children’s Workshops
- More than 20 activities and workshops for children are available to unleash their creativity and curiosity through light and color.
- Children aged 3 to 5 years old can enjoy exploring light, reflection, and shadow with a set of safe, interactive boxes through Light Exploration Boxes.
- For hands-on creativity, they can indulge in fingerpainting with non-toxic glow-in-the-dark paints or create their simple lanterns.
- For dress-up fun, they can relish the Glow Wear activity, where they’ll be invited to craft their wearable art pieces, including eyeglasses, bunny ears, bracelets, and flowers, using vibrant light sticks.
- Children aged 6 to 12 years old will have a chance to create solar-powered lanterns using recycled materials (in collaboration with the Liter of Light project) and craft their kaleidoscopes filled with geometric wonders.
- They will also produce mesmerizing artworks featuring seascapes inspired by Dr. Najat Makki’s creations, using bioluminescent paint.
For more information, please visit the event website, dhaidubai.com.
