Sikka Art and Design Festival takes over alleyways of Dubai's Al Fahidi district

Street art, installations, exhibitions and films bring splash of colour and creativity to city's historic neighbourhood

Sikka Art and Design Festival is taking place in Dubai's Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

Live street mural painting

It's popular with residents and tourist alike

Artwork by Abdulla Lutfi is on show

Yara Ayoob's work at Khaeeji House

The Fatma Lootah Gallery at the festival

A mural by Fatma Al Ali on show

Work by Solimar Miller on show

Work by Aneesha Rai

Work by Hamdan Al Shamsi at Khaeeji House

Work by Halim Al Karim

Artwork is displayed throughout the Al Fahidi district as part of the festival

There are also many small sikkas, or alleyways, to explore

Sikka Art and Design Festival has returned for the 11th year, filling the narrow alleyways of Al Fahidi District in Dubai with art at every turn.

Named after the passageways between low-rise structures in the historical neighbourhood close to the Dubai Creek, the festival brings together visual artists, performers, designers, musicians and other creatives to present artworks, concerts, murals, poetry readings and film screenings.

There is added vibrancy to the neighbourhood thanks to outdoor art installations, as well as brightly coloured seats in front of the main stage and around the courtyards.

The theme for this year’s event is “New creativity. Same Path”, with a wide variety of artworks and creative exhibitions on show until March 5.

They include the installation Threads of Time: weaving history on a blank canvas, produced by artists Hamda Ahmad Al Falahi and Reema Al Mheiri, in appreciation of the region’s rich weaving heritage.

Scroll through the gallery above to see pictures from this year's festival

There’s also a collection of works presented in House 38 by artists including Fatima Jawad, Maryam Al Huraiz and Maitha Al Omaira, as well as the Tasbih series by Moza Al Falasi, in which she depicts feelings and the impact they have on objects.

Melika Shahin’s installation Shahin, explores the intersection between heritage, belonging and escaping from reality, and Rugs, by artist Areen, aims to inspire the audience to communicate a message of love to others. Another highlight is the origami-influenced installation Mirrorigami by Ali Bahmani.

The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairwoman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Sikka Art and Design Festival runs until March 5 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai. More information is available at sikkartandesign.com