
Sikka Art & Design Festival has returned to Deira’s Al Shindagha District for its 13th edition. Staying true to its name, Sikka, the Arabic word for alleyway, this creative festival is the perfect chance to explore Old Dubai’s narrow alleys, bylanes and traditional sandstone buildings and heritage houses.
These historical spaces have come alive with art installations, live musical performances, murals, panel discussions and mouthwatering food stalls until February 9. The cherry on top is that entry is free for all.
This list below should help you check off all the must-see highlights at the Sikka Art and Design Festival.
1. Food market and supper clubs
A festival without food is unimaginable and Sikka doesn’t disappoint at all. 50 of Dubai’s beloved homegrown restaurants and cafes have put up stalls so visitors can savour their mouthwatering food and inspiring success stories. This year guests can also experience unique culinary supper clubs by 9 chefs and dedicated culinary workshops. Popular players in the food scene such as Mitts and Trays, Knight’s Pizzeria, Wakame and more have pop-ups.
2. Installations, art and sculptures
30 installations and 13 stunning murals are highlights this year at Sikka Art and Design Festival. Some must-see highlights are Mahra Al Falashi’s blooming beautiful ‘Flowers of My Country’ sculpture or gaze in wonder at the vibrance of Eman Alrashdi’s mural of Emirati women against a background inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.
House 353 is the destination for the Khaleeji House activation and the theme this year is inspired by the Khaleeji pop culture term ‘A7lam Al3a9r’. Each room features a surreal installation by 14 different artists representing the different stages of a dream. A new and arresting installation this year is the daily Sail Exhibition where sailboats featuring the art of 6 Emirati and UAE-based artists are on display. Find the full list of artwork here
3. Live music and theatre
Music’s rightful place in the art world is cemented with free-to-attend live music performances at Sikka Art and Design Festival. This time around, you’ll get to see 6 orchestras perform at the venue’s main stages, including the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over 100 musical performances and 13 theatre acts will keep you entertained throughout. Creatives on Wheels, a roaming street theatre experience gives you a taste of traditional Emirati storytellers Hakawati (storyteller) blended with other traditional performance art forms such as Khayal Al-Zhil (shadow play).
4. Workshops at Sikka Art and Design Festival
A given at Sikka is picking up new skills or engaging in hobbies you love thanks to over 300 workshops. Dabble in ceramic painting, calligraphy, embroidery and even brewing coffee and distilling perfumes. Details here
More of a thinker than a doer? Attend roundtables about the need for sustainability in art or the importance of family photography or learn about inspiring entrepreneurial journeys.
5. House of Saffron
An entire heritage house, House 416, is dedicated to arts, culinary experiences and performances centred around one ingredient – Saffron. Poetry readings, workshops and dining experiences will teach you about the significance of saffron in Emirati heritage.