ISEA2026 Dubai: An Exciting 10-Day Celebration of Digital Art & Innovation

Dubai is set to become a citywide canvas for creativity, technology and artistic expression as ISEA2026, the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art, takes place from 6 to 15 November 2026. Bringing together artists, researchers, technologists and creative thinkers from around the world, the international symposium will explore how art, science and technology intersect to shape new ways of seeing and understanding the world.

Organised under the theme “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity,” ISEA2026 will feature exhibitions, digital installations, immersive experiences, performances, academic discussions and workshops across Dubai, alongside an online academic programme accessible to participants worldwide.

With more than 100 selected artworks and a wide-ranging programme of research and creative exchange, the event invites residents and visitors to discover how emerging technologies are transforming contemporary art and culture.

What Is ISEA2026?

ISEA is an international non-profit organisation and global community dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration at the intersection of art, science and technology. Its annual symposium provides a platform for artists, academics, researchers and innovators to share ideas, present experimental work and explore the evolving relationship between creativity and technology.

 

 

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The Dubai edition, ISEA2026, is organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in partnership with Zayed University. It is designed to connect international creative communities with Dubai’s growing digital arts ecosystem while supporting innovation, research and cultural exchange.

The symposium will follow a hybrid format, combining an in-person artistic programme across Dubai with an online academic programme.

ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity

At the heart of ISEA2026 is ELYAH, a theme that examines how place, identity, data and technology shape human experiences in an increasingly connected world.

Inspired by the relationship between celestial navigation and digital exploration, the theme considers how artists and technologists interpret the signals of an algorithm-driven world. Through light, sound, code, moving images, installations and performances, the symposium explores how technology can transform abstract information into meaningful human experiences.

The theme is divided into four sub-themes:

1. Charting Constellations – Digital Geographies

This theme explores how digital technologies reshape our understanding of geography, identity and community. It examines digital mapping, virtual spaces, social networks and the ways technology connects people to places and cultures.

2. Celestial Dialogues – Intercultural Dialogue

Focusing on cultural exchange and collaboration, this theme explores how technology, storytelling and immersive experiences can connect communities across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.

3. Eco-Tech Futures – Ecologies of Place

This strand examines the relationship between electronic art and environmental responsibility, exploring climate change, ecological awareness, sustainable technologies and the environmental impact of emerging innovations.

4. Starlinked Worlds – Symbiotic Imaginaries

This theme considers the evolving relationship between technology and human experience, including artificial intelligence, digital identity, immersive worlds, ethical questions and imagined futures shaped by emerging technologies.

More Than 100 Artworks and Immersive Experiences Across Dubai

One of the highlights of ISEA2026 is its Live Artistic Programme, which will transform venues and public spaces across Dubai into platforms for digital creativity and experimentation.

More than 100 selected artworks and installations will explore the relationship between art and technology through interactive, audiovisual and immersive experiences. Visitors can discover exhibitions, performances and installations at galleries, cultural landmarks, heritage districts and public spaces throughout the city.

Key ISEA2026 Venues to Explore

ISEA2026 will bring digital art, immersive installations and artistic experiences to 20 venues and public spaces across Dubai. Visitors can explore exhibitions at galleries, cultural institutions, heritage sites, landmarks and digital displays throughout the city.

 

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Here is the complete list of participating venues, along with their programme dates and timings.

1. Arte Museum

Location: Dubai Mall
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

2. TODA (Theatre of Digital Art)

Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Dates: 6–10 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

3. Kanvas

Location: Al Khayat Art Avenue
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–5 PM

4. DIFC – The Gate

Location: Financial District
Date: 12 November
Timings: Not specified

5. The Foundry

Location: Downtown Boulevard
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–5 PM

6. Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai

Location: Expo City Dubai
Dates: 8–15 November
Timings: 6 PM–10 PM

7. Al Shindagha

Location: Dubai Creek
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

8. Al Fahidi Neighbourhood

Location: Historic District
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

9. Etihad Museum

Location: 1st Street, Jumeirah
Dates: 8–10 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

10. Dubai Design District (d3)

Location: Dubai Design Week
Dates: 3–15 November
Timings: Not specified

11. Wasl Tower

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: Not specified

12. Boulevard Anamorphic Screen

Location: Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Dates: 15–31 October
Timings: Not specified

13. CityWalk Anamorphic Screen

Location: City Walk
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

14. House of Arts

Location: Expo City Dubai
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

15. Al Safa Library

Location: Jumeirah
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

16. Alserkal Avenue

Location: Al Quoz
Dates: 7–8 November
Timings: 10 AM–7 PM

17. Zayed University

Location: Academic City
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: Not specified

18. Dubai Mall Aquarium

Location: Dubai Mall
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM

19. Burj Khalifa

Location: Downtown Dubai
Dates: 6–15 November
Timings: 8:10 PM

From immersive digital installations and contemporary art exhibitions to heritage locations and large-scale public displays, ISEA2026 invites audiences to experience art and technology across Dubai in new and unexpected ways.

An International Academic Programme Bringing Global Perspectives

Beyond the exhibitions and installations, ISEA2026 will host an extensive Online Academic Programme bringing together researchers, academics, artists and technology specialists from around the world.

The programme features:

• 145+ academic papers
• 3 keynote presentations
• 50+ artist talks and panel discussions
• 10+ workshops
• 20+ institutional presentations
• 45+ special-track interactive sessions
• 7 Eco Lab workshops and presentations

The academic programme will run online, allowing international participants to join discussions, workshops and presentations without travelling to Dubai. The main academic conference sessions are scheduled from 10 to 14 November, following the opening special-track activities.

Who Is Leading the Artistic Programme?

ISEA2026 brings together a diverse curatorial team with expertise in contemporary art, digital culture and regional creative practice.

The curatorial leadership includes Nasser Abdullah, Nada Altaher, Jalal Luqman and Anna Seaman, alongside Giuseppe Moscatello, Director of The Foundry Gallery.

Their collective expertise brings together Gulf and Emirati artistic perspectives with international contemporary art and digital culture, helping connect emerging voices and creative practices with a wider global audience.

How to Attend ISEA2026 Dubai

Whether you are an art enthusiast, student, creative professional or simply curious about the future of technology, ISEA2026 offers opportunities to explore new ideas and experiences.

Event: ISEA2026 – 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art
Dates: 6–15 November 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE, with an online academic programme
Theme: ELYAH – Constellating Place, Data and Identity
Live Artistic Programme: Free entry, with registration required
Online Academic Programme: Standard ticket AED 180; student ticket AED 90

Registration for the live artistic programme and academic sessions is available through the official ISEA2026 website.

Find Out More About ISEA2026

Explore the complete programme, participating venues and registration details on the official website.

You can also follow ISEA2026 on Instagram for the latest announcements, programme highlights and updates.