https://www.milleworld.com/sikka-2019-highlights/

During Dubai’s Art Season, there are two major art fairs to look out for: Art Dubai and Sikka Art Fair, and both represent two facets of the city. The first echoes Dubai’s ambition to become an international player in the art world, with galleries flocking from across the globe to sell their art to collectors in search of soon-to-be blue chip artists and pricey statement pieces.

But Sikka celebrates culture and Arab pride like no other event in the cultural calendar. The nine-day event takes place in Dubai’s oldest neighborhood, where the first Emirati houses were built and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see Dubai under a more authentic light.

In Al Fahidi District there are no skyscrapers in sight. Rather renovated traditional houses with wind-towers showing the way in which architecture once dealt with the harsh climate without hurting the planet. Artists chosen via submissions are offered rooms to display their art, the festival is free and puts a much-needed spotlight on local artists and emerging voices from neighboring countries, and more importantly instills a true sense of community. Beyond the art experience, Sikka represents a truly unique opportunity for Dubai’s culture to shine through in a cosmopolitan city that is very often shown as a consumeristic hub and not often enough known for its unique culture, millennial traditions, and especially artists.

This year, the attendees were invited to explore the winding streets of the old town and enter art filled rooms and installations by 48 GCC based artists, 21 of them being Emiratis. All artists where available to take the visitor through their art, and inviting them to their world.