Sikka Art & Design Festival: Experiencing Creativity in Old Dubai
Each January, Dubai’s cultural calendar comes alive through the Sikka Art & Design Festival, a flagship initiative by Dubai Culture that celebrates emerging Emirati and GCC creative talent. Taking place from 23 January to 1 February 2026 at the Al Shindagha Historic District, the festival forms part of Dubai Art Season and reflects the city’s evolving cultural identity.
Set within one of Dubai’s most storied neighbourhoods, Sikka Art & Design Festival transforms the narrow lanes and heritage buildings of Al Shindagha into open-air galleries and performance spaces. Visitors can experience art installations, exhibitions, live music, poetry nights, film screenings and creative workshops, all woven into the fabric of the historic district. With free entry, the festival welcomes both residents and visitors of all ages.
Beyond the artworks themselves, Sikka offers a perspective on how Dubai balances its past and future. The festival’s 2026 theme, Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future, highlights creative expression rooted in heritage while exploring contemporary narratives. This approach aligns with Dubai’s broader cultural direction, where historic areas such as Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi play an increasingly important role in year-round tourism.
For guests staying in Old Dubai, access to the festival is straightforward. Savoy Hotels Dubai is located in Bur Dubai, within close proximity to the Al Shindagha Historic District. The area is well connected by public transport, with Al Ghubaiba Metro Station nearby, making it easy for visitors to attend festival events while exploring the surrounding heritage districts.
Staying in Old Dubai allows visitors to experience Sikka Art & Design Festival at a natural pace. Mornings can be spent discovering exhibitions and installations, while evenings offer cultural performances set against the backdrop of the Creek. The neighbourhood’s walkability and cultural depth provide a contrast to Dubai’s more commercial districts, appealing to travellers seeking meaningful experiences alongside comfort and convenience.
As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for culture and creativity, events such as the Sikka Art & Design Festival highlight the importance of place, accessibility and heritage. For guests based at Savoy Hotels Dubai, the festival offers an opportunity to engage with the city’s artistic scene while staying connected to the everyday rhythm of Old Dubai.
