Dubai secures bid to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, highlighting its cultural leadership and advanced digital infrastructure.
Dubai has won the bid to host the 2026 edition of the International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), solidifying its position as a global cultural capital and innovation hub. The announcement was made in Seoul at the conclusion of ISEA 2024 and marks a strategic milestone for the emirate.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, emphasized the significance of this achievement. “Hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology,” she stated.
The event aligns with the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and cultural excellence.
ISEA 2026 will be organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The symposium will take place from 10 to 17 April 2026 under the theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.’
Events will include:
The event is expected to attract 200–500 international participants and a broad audience from the digital and creative sectors.
ISEA 2026 highlights Dubai’s robust infrastructure, which supports large-scale international events, and strengthens the emirate’s appeal as a destination for cultural tourism and creative industry investment. The event also enhances the city's positioning as a fertile ground for emerging markets in digital and electronic arts, with potential ripple effects across real estate, hospitality, and technology sectors.
Professor Michael Allen of Zayed University noted the event's alignment with the institution’s mission to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. “This symposium will empower the next generation of creative leaders and inspire sustainable progress through the fusion of art and technology,” he said.
The symposium’s theme, 'ELYAH', references the North Star known in the Arab world, symbolizing guidance and exploration. It reflects the event’s focus on AI, digital convergence, and future-oriented artistic innovation.
With ISEA 2026 on the horizon, Dubai strengthens its role as a global nexus for digital creativity. The event is set to catalyse cultural exchange, attract global talent, and reinforce investment opportunities in creative industries and aligned sectors such as infrastructure development, real estate, and tech innovation.
