CLIO Desert Park Dubai 2026 has officially been unveiled as the city’s next record-breaking cultural landmark. Set in the heart of the Margham desert, this monumental project is set to become one of the largest immersive art installations on the planet. Spanning over one million square meters, CLIO is not just a gallery—it is a 10-kilometer-long “living canvas” that blends contemporary storytelling with digital technology and the raw beauty of the UAE dunes.
Conceived by international contemporary artist Agron Hoti and backed by high-profile global icons like Roberto Baggio and Fabio Cannavaro, the project represents a bold new chapter for Dubai’s creative economy.
The Vision: A 10km “River of Art”
At the core of the CLIO Desert Park Dubai 2026 announcement is a 10km linear installation. This “river” of creativity will be composed of 25,000 authenticated modular units, each measuring 2 meters by 2 meters.
- The Experience: Visitors won’t just look at the art; they will move through it. The plan includes unique “Buggy Art Safaris,” where guests can traverse the 10km landscape in off-road vehicles.
- Technology Meets Nature: The modular units will feature integrated video content and digital navigation, creating an interactive dialogue between the desert floor and modern media.
View this post on Instagram
Clio House: The “Spaceship” Cultural Hub
Located at the center of the installation is Clio House, an architecturally stunning, circular hub designed by architect Matteo Antonelli.
- The Design: Described as a “spaceship” in the sand, its edgeless, timeless design symbolizes equality and inclusion.
- The Purpose: Clio House will operate year-round as a “maison” for cultural exchange. It will host artist residencies, high-level talks, and exclusive collaborations between global brands and local creators.
View this post on Instagram
Timeline and Location
The development is situated in Margham, specifically near the Skydive Dubai Desert Dropzone. This location was chosen for its sense of scale and movement, offering visitors a unique perspective, whether they are on the ground or viewing the 10km canvas from above in a parachute.
- Construction Start: March 2026
- Phase 1 (CLIO Oasis) Opening: March 2027
- Full Completion: 2033
Building a Global Cultural Icon
Managed by Clio Oasis Project Management Services LLC and supported by Shamal Holding, CLIO is expected to attract over 4.8 million visitors within its first six years. It aligns perfectly with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for the creative economy, standing alongside major events like the Gulfood 2026 Dubai and the Art Dubai 2026 fair.
As Dubai continues its relentless ascent toward the future, the city remains a masterclass in balancing high-octane luxury with thoughtful, community-driven accessibility. From the intricate digital shift of international travel mandates to the rhythmic expansion of our local transit networks, staying ahead of the curve is the only way to truly master this metropolis.
