Dr. Mohamed Yousef (left), Reem Al Ghaith and Khalid Alshafar

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Expo City Dubai, in partnership with AGB Creative and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has announced the lineup for the first Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai (Jan. 26 – Feb. 4). For the inaugural event set to illuminate Dubai for ten nights, curators Amna Abulhoul, Expo City Dubai Executive Creative Director, and Anthony Bastic AM, founder, AGB Creative, have worked with seven established Emirati artists. The artists, each with their own story to tell, are hailed as embodying the spirit of Dubai and they will narrate their stories through a fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry. Their works are narratives “woven in light, reflections of the UAE’s rich heritage, and windows to our collective future”, say the fest authorities.

Among those taking part are Mattar Bin Lahej, known for designing the calligraphic facade of the Museum of the Future; pioneering artist Dr. Najat Makki, honoured with the French Chevalier of Arts and Letters; Emirates Fine Arts Society co-founder Dr. Mohamed Yousef; designer Abdalla Almulla, who participated in the London Design Biennale and Dubai Design Week last year; multi-disciplinary artist Maitha Hamdan; designer Khalid Al Shafar, renowned for his collaborations with LASVIT and Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum; and celebrated visual artist Reem Al Ghaith.

Mattar Bin Lahej is a versatile artist, specialising in painting, photography, sculpture and design. His work is distinguished by the creative use of Arabic calligraphy and a bold approach to form and movement, often inspired by the majesty and drama of horses in mid-motion – a testament to their historic importance in Emirati culture. Referred to as the ‘Man of Steel,’ his works blend emotion and storytelling. Dr. Najat Makki is a pioneering Emirati artist from Dubai, renowned for her abstract and colourful depictions of the UAE’s natural landscapes and female figures. Her work, characterised by the use of fluorescent paints and UV-A lighting, creates immersive, dreamlike experiences, drawing inspiration from the country’s inspirational women, and Dubai’s historic lifeline, the creek. Dr. Makki’s art, besides being deeply rooted in her curiosity for colour and form, bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and contemporary art.

Dr. Najat Makki (left) Maitha Hamdan and Abdalla Almulla

Dr. Mohamed Yousef is celebrated for his whimsical and delicate sculptures inspired by his memories of growing up in the UAE, often crafted from palm tree fronds native to the UAE desert. His talent extends to theatre, where he contributes as a playwright, director and actor, infusing his artworks with an interplay of motion and stillness. His significant participation in international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, and numerous awards, highlight his influential role in shaping the UAE art scene. Dr. Yousef’s art blends figuration and abstraction. Abdalla Almulla is known for his geometrically inspired architectural designs, particularly his interpretation of the minaret, which explores the relationships between light and the five prayer times. His work, characterised by the innovative use of patterns and geometry, explores the intersections of tradition and technology.

Khalid Alshafar is known for his groundbreaking fusion of Emirati culture and contemporary design elements. With a portfolio spanning furniture and other objects, Alshafar’s works serve as a testament to the evolving design landscape of Dubai and the broader Middle East, blending cultural heritage and modernity. Reem Al Ghaith is a creative polymath who has worked in the fields of visual art, cultural research, creative direction and design entrepreneurship. As an artist, she is celebrated for her explorations of urban transformation in the UAE through mixed media. Her portfolio encompasses photography, print and installation art, capturing the dynamic evolution of her native city, Dubai. Her artworks have represented the UAE in several internationally prominent institutions, including Venice Biennial, Center Pompidou, The Haus Der Kunst, The Mori Art Museum, the Shanghai Expo and the United Nations headquarters. She explores how construction and development interact with the region’s heritage.

Mattar Bin Lahej

Maitha Hamdan is a multidisciplinary artist who works with fabric and textiles, as well as performances exploring social boundaries, religion and narratives. She is also a filmmaker and a graduate fellow artist from the Shaikha Salama Bint Hamdan Foundation programme, Salama Emerging Artists Fellowship Program Cohort 7, and part of Azyamii Program by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, 2019. She was a resident artist at the Cultural Foundation Art Residency Program 2021 and is a current member at the 2023 Critical Practice Program in Tashkeel – Dubai. Abulhoul says: “The participating artists each come with their own unique stories that beautifully complement one another and together tell the story of Dubai, which visitors will see come to life at Dhai Dubai. Each guest will have an opportunity to stand alongside the individual artworks and embark on a journey culminating in a wonderful artistic integration under the magical Al Wasl Dome.”

Anthony Bastic AM said: “Light is such a significant part of Emirati and Arab culture. The art and architecture of this region are renowned for their exquisite use of light and shadow. This innate meaning and profound influence of light gives deep resonance to this festival. It is a festival rooted in its place, Dubai, and in the work of its local artists who help shape the emirate’s unique cultural identity.” In addition to displays, the fest offers a diverse array of engaging talks and interactive workshops. Expo City Dubai is one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Its roadmap is set to achieving net zero by 2050.