Dubai concluded 2025 by reinforcing its status as a global platform for creativity and innovation, having organized a multitude of cultural events over 12 months. The city witnessed numerous significant milestones, from international art exhibitions to music and theater festivals, reflecting its cultural diversity and the fusion of heritage with modernity, thereby strengthening its presence on the global cultural map.
The cultural year in Dubai kicked off with the fourth edition of the 'Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert' festival, themed 'Where Imagination Meets Reality.' Organized by Dubai's Culture and Arts Authority in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the festival showcased 80 films and hosted approximately 30 workshops led by leading filmmakers.
From the desert to the historic Al Shindagha neighborhood, in old houses and alleyways, the works of over 500 artists were displayed at the 13th edition of the Sikkat for Arts & Design festival. Organized by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority as part of the 'Dubai Quality of Life' strategy, this festival was the largest to date, featuring around 100 live performances, 13 theater shows, and 13 murals.
The arts scene continued its momentum with 'Dubai Art Evenings,' which attracted both art enthusiasts and collectors. The third edition featured artworks showcasing the aesthetics of UAE architecture in its traditional and modern forms. The program also included visits to the studios of prominent Emirati artists, group discussions, and workshops for children.
The 19th edition of Art Dubai, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, demonstrated the maturity of Dubai's art scene. It featured 120 galleries, half of which were from the region. The exhibited works spanned contemporary, modern, and digital arts, which have been experiencing rapid growth recently.
The 11th edition of Dubai Design Week was brimming with creativity, installations, and diverse design solutions. The event brought together over 1,000 designers and brands, and presented innovative furniture and lighting designs as part of Downtown Design, along with limited-edition designs in Editions.
In the literary sphere, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library organized several events, headlined by the second Dubai International Library and Publishing Conference, themed 'Shaping the Future of Publishing.' The conference included over 45 sessions discussing innovation, technology, the global publishing landscape, translation, and the craft of writing. It hosted more than 80 speakers from 14 countries.
Dubai also catered to fans of animation and comics by organizing the 'Fandom' festival for the first time, attracting enthusiasts of fictional characters in costumes filled with passion for the world of anime and comics.
