Everything to Know About Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026

Get ready, art lovers, the Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026 is set to return to Dubai’s historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood, offering a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community from 23 January to 1 February 2026. This beloved annual event brings together artists, creatives, performers, designers and the public for ten days of art-filled experiences that highlight the UAE’s thriving contemporary art scene.

Dates & Location

• Dates: 23 January – 1 February 2026
• Location: Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, Dubai
• Entry: Free for all visitors

Nestled along Dubai Creek, the heritage district of Al Shindagha provides an atmospheric backdrop for the festival’s installations, exhibitions and interactive spaces.

What to Expect

Sikka is more than an art fair, it’s an immersive cultural showcase that spills across paved alleyways, heritage houses, and public courtyards, blending contemporary works with Dubai’s historic charm.

Art & Installations

Expect over 40 public art pieces, murals and dynamic installations created by both emerging and established artists from the UAE, the GCC and beyond. These works will be displayed across heritage houses, alleyways and open spaces throughout the festival area.

Workshops & Talks

Learning and participation are at the heart of Sikka’s mission. The festival will host hands-on workshops in visual arts, ceramics, printmaking, photography, calligraphy and more — appropriate for both beginners and seasoned creatives. Thought-provoking panel discussions and talks will bring insights from artists, curators, designers and cultural thinkers.

Live Performances

From contemporary music to theatrical performances, Sikka’s stage programme enriches the visual experience. Expect live music, dance, and performance art that animate the festival sites, enhancing the neighbourhood’s lively, social atmosphere.

Creative Showcases

Curated spaces such as design houses and themed exhibits highlight innovation in media arts, new media, and heritage-inspired creations. These curated zones give visitors multiple entry points into the festival’s artistic diversity.

Food & Community

Sikka isn’t just about looking, it’s about experiencing. The festival features artisan food pop-ups, cafés and culinary offerings woven into the event’s social fabric, inviting attendees to savour the city’s tastes alongside its artistic expressions.

Why It Matters

Since its inception in 2011, Sikka has grown from a local showcase into a cornerstone of Dubai’s arts calendar, reflecting the emirate’s ambition to be a global hub for creativity and cultural exchange. Its multidisciplinary approach cultivates space for regional voices and emerging talent while engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Tips for Visitors

• Plan your visit: With free entry and multiple exhibitions, earlier arrival helps you explore more.
• Explore heritage: Take time to wander Al Shindagha’s historic narrow streets — art often appears in unexpected alleys.
• Stay informed: Follow the official Sikka Art & Design Platform on social media for daily highlights, workshop schedules and performance times.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious visitor or someone seeking cultural inspiration, Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026 promises a rich programme full of discovery, dialogue and creative celebration in the heart of Dubai.