Burj Khalifa Lights Up for ISEA2026 as Dubai Opens Electronic Art Symposium

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), inaugurated the 31st International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2026 Dubai) on November 7, under the theme "ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity". On opening night, the façade of the Burj Khalifa hosted an ELYAH-themed projection show of stars and light.

ELYAH: the North Star in Emirati tradition

ELYAH is the traditional Emirati name for the North Star, chosen by the organisers as a metaphor for finding direction in an age where data and identity intertwine. The symposium is organised by Dubai Culture and Zayed University and is billed as the largest edition yet: the artistic programme features more than 100 artworks across Dubai, while the academic programme includes 145 papers, more than 50 artist talks and discussions, and over 10 workshops.

Interactive show launches at ARTE MUSEUM

As part of the opening, Sheikha Latifa also launched an interactive ELYAH show at ARTE MUSEUM Dubai, combining light, music, performance and digital technology and inviting visitors to interact with an interactive star and watch a visual sequence linking people, place and identity. The symposium runs until November 15, under four themes: "Celestial Dialogues", "Charting Constellations", "Eco-Tech Futures" and "Starlinked Worlds".

(Sources: Dubai Media Office, via I Like Dubai; Business Wire.)