As great weather invites for some outdoor activities, Al Hai Pop-up Electric Art Gallery is definitely a place to be this Dubai Shopping Festival. A luminous network of beautiful outdoor installations, the Gallery is set to tell a composite story of Emirati heritage. Seven Emirati and UAE-based artists and architects created this beautiful destination with thousands of electric bulbs and sustainable materials taken from previous Dubai Shopping Festivals that form walkways, arcs and sculptures.
This dramatic display of alfresco electric art is one of the central cultural events of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2021. It is organized in collaboration with esteemed partner, Dubai Culture.
The gallery is divided into six divisions:
The ‘majlis’ is the traditional communal room in Emirati houses that hosts family, friends and guests. In Al Hai Pop-up Electric Art Gallery, a traditional majlis with traditional coffee and cushions is beautifully illuminated and offers great atmosphere of hospitality.
Al Hewee is a traditional courtyard that represents the heart of an Emirati household. With a large illuminated ghaf tree and suspended swing, this colourful piece of art gives a sense of recreational space.
Al Baqala is the neighborhood’s convenience store. It beautifully replicates one of these Arabian communal hubs with daintily lit shelves and bottles.
The Mosque, or ‘Masjid’ is a center point of every Emirati community, where the faithful gather for prayer several times a day. It offers a spiritual journey through the grand arches that represent a mihrab, indicating Qibla, the direction of Kaaba in Mecca.
Sikkas are the network of interlacing alleyways that connect different houses in a traditional Emirati neighbourhood. This installation describes the Sikka experience via a pathway punctuated by light-reflecting birds placed on top of the light rods.
A ‘saha’ is the play space between Sikkas. This series of experential nodes offer interactive games and other activities.
Conveniently located just a short distance away from the iconic Dubai Mall, Al Hai Pop-up Electric Art Gallery has many reasons to be visited at least once during this DSF.
Organized by: Al Hai, Dubai Culture
Venue: Emaar Boulevard
Ticket price: free to visit
