Dubai announces major design and electronic art programmes for 2026

Dubai has unveiled two significant creative initiatives scheduled for 2026. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority introduced the academic programme for the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026). Set to take place from November 6 to 15, 2026, the symposium will explore the intersections of art, science, and technology under the theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity’. Organized in partnership with Zayed University, the event is expected to be the largest in the symposium's history, featuring 145 academic papers, over 50 artist talks, and numerous workshops.

Additionally, Dubai Design Week 2026 is launching at the Dubai Design District (d3). The 12th edition features more than 40 installations, exhibitions, and commissions from practitioners representing over 50 countries. The event includes Downtown Design, a major contemporary design fair with over 300 brands, and the UAE Designer Exhibition, which showcases 30 local creatives. The week-long programme focuses on architecture, cultural heritage, and the evolving relationship between technology and human experience through various workshops and urban commissions.