SIKKA transmitted a strong message of cross-cultural acceptance and celebration of diversity in society.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture, successfully wrapped the ninth edition of SIKKA Art Fair (SIKKA), with a record attendance of over 62,000 visitors over a span of nine days.

The fair, a pillar event of the Authority’s annual flagship art initiative Dubai Art Season (DAS), was organised under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture.

Held at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the fair, themed ‘An open window to art and tolerance,’ aligned with the annual national celebration of the ‘Year of Tolerance.’

HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the conclusion of SIKKA, especially as it builds upon the success of its previous editions, attracting a record number of visitors, artists, and volunteers.

Supporting and showcasing the works of UAE- and GCC-based artists, the fair aligned perfectly with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to empower the cultural landscape of Dubai through it’s youth and position it as a city that supports and develops the creative industries, propelling the creative economy of the nation.

Celebrating the Year of Tolerance, SIKKA transmitted a strong message of cross-cultural acceptance and celebration of diversity in society that Dubai embodies.”

Her Highness added: “SIKKA has emerged as an inspiring and impactful platform for participants and visitors alike. This time, the fair garnered substantial international attention, positing it as a unique regional event that has successfully, over the years, employed art as a tool to enrich the lives of community members in Dubai. This year, SIKKA hosted the Kuwaiti House, highlighting formidable talent from Kuwaiti artists that added another dimension of inspiration to the fair as well as a regional flavour. Progressing on such special participations, next year SIKKA will invite an international country to participate with the aim to bridge cultures and celebrate diversity, connecting people through creativity and art.”

SIKKA this year featured 110 artworks, 98 art workshops, and 45 spellbinding performances. Additionally, a record 1,800 people registered to participate in various sessions and workshops at the fair, making it one of the most vibrant and well-received editions to date.

This year’s edition saw over 400 applications, out of which 48 were invited to develop their artistic research around this edition’s theme.

The fair hosted a total of 23 Emirati artists, accounting for 48% of the total number of participants, as well as Arab artists representing Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, amounting to 19%.

Artists from the Indian subcontinent comprised 17%, while artists from Europe, the United States, Australia, and South America will account for 16%. The fair helped draw out young talents from the UAE and the region by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their works to art patrons, critics, and the wider public.

In addition to featuring several artistic activities, installations, and special features, the House also offered a peek into the traditional, artistic, and cultural fabric of Kuwait and its connection to the greater Arab world.