Sikka Art & Design Festival: Why It Should Be at the Top of Your Dubai Must‑Do List
There are many reasons travellers fall in love with Dubai: the skyline, the sea, the culinary scene, and the effortless blend of global and local. But if you find yourself in the city during February, there is one experience that should be woven into your itinerary with complete intention: the Sikka Art & Design Festival.
This is not a typical art fair, nor a fleeting pop‑up. It is one of Dubai’s most atmospheric cultural experiences; a week where the city slows down, leans into its creative self, and transforms the historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood into an open‑air labyrinth of art, music, design and sensory discovery.
If you’re planning a Dubai getaway, here’s why Sikka deserves a place at the top of your things‑to‑do list.
It’s Dubai’s Most Soulful Cultural Experience
Held within one of Dubai’s oldest districts, Sikka invites you to wander through restored homes, courtyards, and alleyways that tell the story of the city’s past, all while experiencing its creative future. The setting alone is worth the visit: wind towers, textured walls, lantern‑lit pathways, and the scent of oud drifting through the air.
You don’t just view art here, you live inside it.
Over 1,000 Artists and Creatives Bring the Neighbourhood to Life
Across 16 themed houses, you’ll encounter visual art, ceramics, photography, design installations, animated films, and art‑tech explorations. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply curious, each house offers a new atmosphere and a fresh story.
The International House connects Dubai’s creative energy with global perspectives, while the Art & Tech House offers a glimpse into how artists are imagining the digital futures ahead.
The Murals and Outdoor Installations Are Worth the Trip Alone
Dubai Culture’s drive to transform the city into an open‑air museum is on full display here. Expect large‑scale sculptures, contemporary public artworks, and 13 new murals created specifically for this edition, each one rooted in heritage, language, or memory.
It’s a photographer’s dream and a refreshing counterpoint to the polished modernity of Downtown Dubai.
You Can Immerse Yourself in Hands‑On Creativity
With 950+ workshops, Sikka offers everything from ceramic glazing and textile dyeing to calligraphy, printmaking, and creative technology. Many sessions are suitable for beginners and families, making it one of the few Dubai events where everyone can try something new, regardless of skill level.
It’s the perfect cultural activity after a morning on the beach or an afternoon of shopping.
Music, Performance, and Atmosphere That Lasts Into the Evening
When the sun sets, Sikka becomes its most magical. The main stage along Dubai Creek hosts orchestral performances, live musicians, choirs, and musical parades that echo across the water. Grab a seat beneath the fairy lights, order something delicious from one of the homegrown food concepts, and let the soundtrack of Dubai’s creative community wash over you.
A Taste of the City’s Culinary Creativity
Across the neighbourhood, you’ll find 43 local food concepts, 52 retailers, and beautifully curated supper clubs led by chefs inspired by local flavours. This is where Emirati heritage meets modern gastronomy, ideal for food lovers seeking something distinct from Dubai’s high‑end dining scene.
It’s Free, Accessible, and Perfect for All Types of Travellers
Whether you're a solo explorer, a couple searching for something atmospheric, a family with curious little ones, or a culture‑seeker returning to Dubai again and again, Sikka offers something meaningful for every visitor, all in a welcoming, walkable setting.
The Sikka Experience in a Sentence
If Expo City Dubai showcases the city’s global ambition, Sikka showcases its creative soul.
For anyone planning a trip during February, it’s an unmissable experience; a cultural immersion that reveals the stories, flavours, and imaginations shaping Dubai today. Whether you spend an hour or an entire day wandering its lanes, Sikka has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.
More from Dubai
