In a move reflecting its commitment to supporting the arts ecosystem and enriching the local scene, Dubai's Culture and Arts Authority — Dubai Culture — has announced preparations for the 15th edition of Sikka Festival, to be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in January 2027, across the historic Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi neighbourhoods.
This comes in the context of the Authority's commitment to its sectoral responsibilities and priorities, aimed at achieving the targets of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and cementing the emirate's standing as a global cultural hub, an incubator for creativity and a meeting point for talent.
This exceptional edition of the festival, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of its launch, marks a milestone in Sikka's journey and a crowning achievement of a path rich in creativity and cultural dialogue — one through which the festival has supported generations of creatives and entrenched its presence as one of the pillars of the local and regional arts scene.
Over the years, Sikka — held under the umbrella of Dubai Art Season — has undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from a space celebrating creative experiences to a leading cultural event that nurtures emerging talents and pioneering creatives from the UAE and the region, reinforcing its standing as one of the most prominent cultural platforms supporting artists and giving them ample space for innovation, experimentation and direct engagement with audiences.
Since its launch in 2011, the event has attracted more than 3,000 creatives who have presented thousands of artworks and diverse creative experiences. It has also organised approximately 2,416 specialised workshops across various creative and cultural fields, and has welcomed close to 950,000 visitors — reflecting its impact and pivotal role in supporting the cultural and artistic movement and fostering community participation in the creative scene.
The Authority unveiled the theme for Sikka 2027: Al Awda (The Return), which embodies the spirit of this exceptional edition. The theme draws on the concept of returning to roots, identity and memory, and of rekindling the human connection with place through its stories, people and traditions — reinforcing cultural exchange and renewing the bonds between past and present. The festival provides an expansive space where artistic experiences, human stories and community interaction converge, bringing places to life through the dialogues and shared experiences they embrace.
The theme also shines a light on the importance of memory and belonging, and how they can be reimagined through contemporary approaches that link past to present while looking towards the future. This vision is embodied in the symbolic return of Sikka 2027 to its original home in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood.
Dubai Culture has issued an open call for participation in the event, which aims to provide an inspiring and supportive environment for artists and designers who are UAE nationals and residents, as well as those from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, enabling them to develop their skills, broaden their creative horizons and grow.
The Authority has invited all artists, designers, musicians, photographers, retailers, and food and beverage vendors to participate in Sikka 2027 and present their varied works and productions across fields including visual arts, drawing, sculpture, public art, art installations, ceramics, performing arts and more.
The Authority will accept applications until 17 August. Applicants are required to submit proposals for original, contemporary artworks that align with the theme of Sikka 2027 and reflect their diverse creative visions.