Dubai, UAE – The 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026) opens in Dubai on 6 November 2026 and runs until 15 November. Organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in partnership with Zayed University, it is set to be the largest edition in the symposium’s history.
Event at a glance
- Dates: 6–15 November 2026
- Theme: ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity
- Format: a citywide artistic programme at venues across Dubai, plus an online academic programme
- Organisers: Dubai Culture with Zayed University
What’s on
The artistic programme brings installations, digital works and live experiences to locations around the city, giving residents and visitors a new way to see Dubai through media art. The theme looks at how digital technology is changing our sense of place, identity and community.
The online academic programme opens with Special Track panels and workshops from 6 to 9 November, followed by the main conference sessions from 10 to 14 November. Because it is online, artists and researchers can take part from anywhere in the world.
Why it matters for Dubai
ISEA2026 supports Dubai Culture’s Digital Arts Roadmap, which aims to grow the emirate’s digital and emerging arts sector. Maitha Ali Al Blooshi, Director of the Emerging Arts Department at Dubai Culture and Executive Director of ISEA2026, said the symposium will help local talent learn, experiment and connect with international networks.
The event was first planned for April 2026 and moved to November. It lands in a busy month for culture in the UAE, running alongside Dubai Design Week and the Sharjah International Book Fair.
