Dubai to Host ISEA 2026: A Global Digital Arts Showcase

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, recently shared exciting news: Dubai will host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA). This is a major achievement for the city and shows how Dubai is becoming a global center for culture, creativity, and talent.

A Bold Cultural Journey

Sheikha Latifa said that Dubai’s cultural journey is full of ambition and built on the strong belief that creativity can shape a better future. She added that hosting ISEA 2026 shows how lively and strong Dubai’s creative scene is, and how the city is always trying to lead global conversations about the mix of art, science, and technology.

She also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his vision. She said his belief in innovation and human talent helped turn Dubai into a thriving cultural capital.

What Is ISEA?

ISEA (International Symposium on Electronic Art) is one of the most important events in the world that brings together artists, designers, technologists, teachers, curators, and museum experts. They come together every year to explore how digital art is shaping the future. The event started in 1988 in the Netherlands and is now led by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK. It has been hosted in big cities like Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona.

Dubai Wins the Bid

Dubai’s win was announced at the end of this year’s ISEA in Seoul, South Korea. The successful bid was a team effort by Dubai Culture, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University. Together, they showed off Dubai’s rich culture, world-class buildings, and support for creative ideas.

Supporting the Future of Digital Arts

Sheikha Latifa explained that this event matches well with Dubai’s plan to grow its digital arts sector. ISEA will help artists and technology experts share ideas, work together, and inspire others. It will help develop the skills needed for the future while connecting people from all over the world.

She added, “ISEA gives space for creative people to imagine new ideas. It allows learning, working together, and exploring new art forms with the help of digital tools. We are excited to welcome the world to Dubai and build a future where art and technology come together.”

Theme and Dates

ISEA 2026 will be held from April 10 to 17, 2026, and will be led by Dubai Culture and Zayed University. The theme of the event is “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity.” 'ELYAH' is another name for the North Star, which has long helped travelers find their way. This name shows how the event will guide people to explore the mix of art, technology, and identity.

The event will include workshops, talks, networking events, and digital art shows across Dubai’s top cultural spots. Between 200 and 500 international artists and experts are expected to take part, along with many local visitors.

Supporting Young Talent and Culture

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said this win supports Dubai’s goal to become a top place for talent and creative businesses. She said that hosting ISEA will help Dubai’s digital artists grow, connect with others around the world, and showcase the city’s cultural beauty.

She also said the event will boost art tourism and bring attention to Dubai’s special mix of culture and innovation.

Four Main Topics

ISEA 2026 will focus on four exciting themes:

1. Charting Constellations – exploring identity, place, and community in a digital world.

2. Celestial Dialogues – showing how art and technology can connect people from different cultures.

3. Eco-Tech Futures – using digital art to look at environmental problems and solutions.

4. Starlinked Worlds – studying how new technologies affect human life and future possibilities.

A Message from Zayed University

Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, said the university is proud to partner with Dubai Culture to host ISEA 2026. He said it will be a place where artists, scholars, and innovators from around the world can come together to explore how digital arts can bring change. He also said the event will help train the next generation of creative leaders and promote collaboration between art and technology.